Henning and associates studied behavior after dark in public spaces lit in different ways. They report that “A field study was conducted to explore user behaviour in two differently illuminated public squares. Observations of the movements and stationary activities of people in the squares were recorded at both squares for the same times of day in the weeks before and after the daylight savings clock change, enabling a comparison of activity in daylight and after dark. 5296 observations were recorded and lighting conditions were captured with HDR-photography and aerial photos. Kirseberg square, with asymmetric luminaires and metal halide lamps, revealed a decrease in stationary activity after dark. Lindeborg square, with omnidirectional luminaires and high-pressure sodium lamps, revealed an increase in stationary activity. In conclusion, the patterns of user behaviour in the two public squares after dark seem to be differently influenced by electric lighting.”
V. Hennig, N. Gentile, S. Fotios, C. Sternudd, and M. Johansson. “User Behaviour in Public Squares After Dark.” Lighting Research and Technology, in press, https://doi.org/10.1177/14771535231200390