Moonlight vs. Artificial Light: A Comparative Study on Visitors' Experiences of Nightscape Within Urban Green Spaces

Abstract

Enhancing the nighttime environment of urban green spaces to improve visitor's experiences plays a pivotal role in realizing the full functional potential of these spaces and promoting the health and well-being of residents. However, the predominant focus of designers tends to be on artificial illumination within nightscapes, often overshadowing the consideration of natural lights such as moonlight. In this study, a total of 44 photographs of nightscapes with and without artificial lights at half- and full-moon nights respectively were taken using digital cameras at 11 sample sites of urban green spaces. Scored by college students, these photographs were assessed according to visitors' experience in five dimensions. The results indicated that at both half- and full-moon nights, the average scores of the five experience dimensions in artificial lights were higher compared with moonlight conditions. However, at full-moon night, no significant difference in aesthetic preference, relaxation, and interestingness between artificial light and moonlight conditions was found; whereas, in terms of safety and willingness to visit, the scores under artificial light condition were significantly higher than those under moonlight. At half-moon night, there was no significant difference in aesthetic preference between artificial light and moonlight conditions, but the other four experience dimensions were significantly higher under the artificial light condition. These findings provide a theoretical basis to support the reintroduction of moonlight into urban green spaces.

● A comparative study on differences in visitors’ experiences of nightscapes within urban green spaces between artificial light and moonlight conditions

● At half-moon night, there is no significant difference in aesthetic preference between artificial light and moonlight conditions

● At full-moon night, there is no significant difference in aesthetic preference, relaxation, and interestingness between artificial light and moonlight conditions

● It is promising to introduce moonlight into nightscapes of urban green spaces as a partial substitute for artificial illumination

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Urban Green Space / Nightscape / Artificial Light / Moonlight / Visitors' Experience / Light Pollution / Comparative Study

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Acknowledgements

● Coexistence of Ecological Quality and Aesthetic Value of Urban Green Space and Optimization of Design, National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32071830)

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