Modern cities are complex organisms that live in accordance to certain laws and rules, where architectural and engineering structures and other city-planning objects that ensure the livelihoods of the population make up the usual habitat. Each city is unique in its own way, and all elements of the infrastructure are interconnected and have significance: architecture, road transport communications, production, energy, economics, ecology, demography, historical heritage, culture, etc. An urban space comfortable for citizens, safe, attractive for tourists and visitors, energy efficient, and of course harmonious, is being created using various tools and technologies. One of the solutions used in the world for the organization and planning of urban spaces is a lighting master plan.

Lighting master plan is a convenient tool that allows implementing the tasks and needs of the city in lighting. In fact, this is a document that spells out the rules for the use and application of lighting devices (luminaries) in city. There are recommendations related to various types of lighting in it: architectural, functional, landscape, festive and advertising. To create an integral light image of the city, it is important to consider the system as a whole: functional zones and tasks (center, historical buildings, sleeping areas, new buildings), types of illuminated objects and their characteristics (buildings, streets, transport junctions and highways, recreation areas, color solutions, materials, etc.) and their neighborhood, the tasks facing the city (attracting tourists, identity). In order to create a holistic and informed perception of the city it’s necessary to take into account all these features while designing urban lighting. The document clearly regulates the types and characteristics of lighting devices (color temperature, brightness, light intensity, color and dynamics) in relation to urban infrastructure.
To create a lighting master plan, it is necessary to conduct a thorough audit to provide an overall picture and identify the “problem” places that need to pay attention. Based on the available data, you can begin to search and fix problems or correct identified problems, choose the most suitable solutions, predict the development of situations for the future period.

Using optimal lighting solutions, you can not only reduce maintenance and electricity costs, provide comfort and safety, but also increase the value of the architectural heritage, identify sightseeing, create a special atmosphere and show uniqueness, increase recognition and attractiveness, create a special perception of the city at night.
Lighting master plan is a multifunctional tool that can organize an aesthetically attractive and comfortable urban environment.