The improvement of public lighting is an effective and economical way to enhance the attractiveness of urban downtown areas. Many cities in Germany and Europe have already recognized this fact and used master plans to create entirely new systems of urban lighting. They have been motivated to do so by the desire to compete with other cities and to upgrade and enhance their city centers.

Although this trend is widespread and enduring, a typology of urban lighting has not been available until now. As a concrete and practical guide, this book establishes first standards for the field. Drawing on the author’s experience, it addresses the technical and planning aspects of the task and provides important information on feasibility and possible financing models. Organized systematically and with a wealth of color illustrations, detail drawings, and implementation plans, it is an indispensable guide to successfully interacting with other planners, government departments, and investors.

Ulrike Brandi (b. 1957), Dipl. Des. IALD DWB, is a lighting designer and the managing director of ULRIKE BRANDI LICHT GmbH in Hamburg. She designs lighting solutions for commercial buildings, natural settings, and cities. The firm has realized more than 300 projects throughout the world.

Christoph Geissmar-Brandi, (b. 1958), Dr. phil., is an art historian, exhibition curator, and the author of many books in the field.