3.1.4 Problems and conclusions

Figure 3.18 Requirements according to Copenhaguen Lighting Masterplan is physically there and the six focus targets (see chapter 2.3.2 Belysningsmasterplan for København).

Safe City. There is no layer of light being used, as a result, there is a lack of lighting hierarchy. Due to the use of just one type of source light that provides illumination to the whole area.

Secure City. The low levels of illumination make it hard to have clear visibility of the area, and consequently, create on people a feeling of disorientation by not giving an overview of the space and almost impossible to have good facial recognition.

Sustainable City. The street poles area place without taking into consideration the human scale therefore there is a lot of light that is not directed to its specific use, creating glare problems for the pedestrians and ecosystem, there is hard shadows by sharp contrast this could be translated into unnecessary energy use and light pollution affecting the views to the night sky. Moreover, the luminaires are not energy efficient since they use old technologies and not LED.

Active City. The lack of proper lighting does not support the active life in the space, it is not inviting and does not create a connection of the space with the people, does not adapt to users making them feel unsafe when moving around at night.

Living City. Somehow space respects the vision of Copenhagen as a dark city but sadly not by the right means, the set of problems listed so far does not show ambitions on creating a place for community interaction, this by the lack of cosy spaces that invite to stay, bringing quality to the city life.

Mediating City. The disconnection between the light solution of the space and the historical architecture makes Langeliniekaj disappear after dark. No lighting technology has been implemented in the area, the use of this could support an inspiring experience for residents and visitors by promoting the local identity and understanding the context.

Regarding Langelinie, it is also said in the Masterplan that “A lighting strategy that works with effect lighting on monuments will help to strengthen the area's attraction value. The desire is expressed to create more life and give atmosphere and character to the waterfront after dark.” This means shaping an identity to increase its attraction and life.

Following the structure applied on the site analysis, the problems found on Langeliniekajen can be grouped into The Light, The Play, and The Setting. The Actor was intentionally omitted since people is a variable that can be influenced but not directly modified by a lighting design.