Projects per year
Abstract
Background and objectives
Darkness is a significant barrier to children’s independent mobility (Shaw et al., 2015) affecting the perception and use of outdoor environments, making them less attractive, and increasing social fears (Cele, 2019). This literature review addresses the question of how artificial outdoor lighting may serve to provide children independent mobilityafter dark.
Process and methods (for empirical research)
The review procedure was based on Booth, Papaioannou, and Sutton (2012) and the PRISMA statement (Page et al., 2021). A Boolean search string was developed, including terms related to children, independent mobility, lighting, and
outdoor environments considering both light and dark conditions. The search was conducted through several databases: Scopus, ISI, PsycInfo, Eric and Engineering Village.
Main results (or main arguments in the case of critical reviews)
The 60 identified articles were divided into two major groups: Children, natural light and darkness and Children and artificial outdoor lighting. Results show that both natural and artificial lighting conditions can support or hinder
children's independent mobility by influencing perceived safety and security, notions of what is seasonally appropriate, travel and route choices, physical activity and the relationship to a place. The existence of lighting as well
as lighting quality were discussed in relation to children's use and experiences of the outdoor environment. However, only few studies focused on the implication for children's independent mobility.
Implications for research and practice/policy | Importance and originality of the contribution
The results strengthen the perspective that darkness constitutes a major obstacle for children’s independent mobility. Research-based strategies are needed for outdoor lighting to support both children’s and parents' perspectives in
urban design. The review provides valuable knowledge about the role of outdoor lighting for children’s independent mobility, that may support decision-makers in adopting strategies for more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking and
cycling.
Darkness is a significant barrier to children’s independent mobility (Shaw et al., 2015) affecting the perception and use of outdoor environments, making them less attractive, and increasing social fears (Cele, 2019). This literature review addresses the question of how artificial outdoor lighting may serve to provide children independent mobilityafter dark.
Process and methods (for empirical research)
The review procedure was based on Booth, Papaioannou, and Sutton (2012) and the PRISMA statement (Page et al., 2021). A Boolean search string was developed, including terms related to children, independent mobility, lighting, and
outdoor environments considering both light and dark conditions. The search was conducted through several databases: Scopus, ISI, PsycInfo, Eric and Engineering Village.
Main results (or main arguments in the case of critical reviews)
The 60 identified articles were divided into two major groups: Children, natural light and darkness and Children and artificial outdoor lighting. Results show that both natural and artificial lighting conditions can support or hinder
children's independent mobility by influencing perceived safety and security, notions of what is seasonally appropriate, travel and route choices, physical activity and the relationship to a place. The existence of lighting as well
as lighting quality were discussed in relation to children's use and experiences of the outdoor environment. However, only few studies focused on the implication for children's independent mobility.
Implications for research and practice/policy | Importance and originality of the contribution
The results strengthen the perspective that darkness constitutes a major obstacle for children’s independent mobility. Research-based strategies are needed for outdoor lighting to support both children’s and parents' perspectives in
urban design. The review provides valuable knowledge about the role of outdoor lighting for children’s independent mobility, that may support decision-makers in adopting strategies for more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking and
cycling.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2022 Jul 5 |
| Event | 27th IAPS Conference: Global challenges, local impacts : - Lisboa, Portugal Duration: 2022 Jul 5 → 2022 Jul 8 |
Conference
| Conference | 27th IAPS Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | rethinking governance, sustainability and consumption in light of climate change |
| Country/Territory | Portugal |
| City | Lisboa |
| Period | 2022/07/05 → 2022/07/08 |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Architecture
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Through light and darkness: A literature review of children's independent mobility after dark'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Active
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Barnperspektiv på belysning längs gång- och cykelvägar
Litsmark, A. (Research student), Johansson, M. (Supervisor), Rahm, J. (Assistant supervisor) & Mattsson, P. (Assistant supervisor)
2021/02/15 → …
Project: Research
Activities
- 1 Participation in conference
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International association people-environment studies (IAPS) 2022 conference
Litsmark, A. (Presenter)
2022 Jul 8Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference