It is not only the architecture and greenery that are responsible for the feeling of safety and comfort in the space - the light and the color it gives are equally important. The current state of the Podzamcze Park in Olsztyn and the needs of its users were researched by Martyna Lesinska from Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie.
In her master's thesis, written under the supervision of Dr. Eng. arch. Wieslawa Gadomska, Martyna Lesinska investigated how lighting and the color of the environment affect humans on the example of the Podzamcze Park in Olsztyn. Her research looks at the intensity and color of light in public spaces and their impact on the color of a place.
color transition scheme
proj.: Martyna Lesniak
The author of the work referred to the European project Dynamic Light, which focuses on light quality, ecology and efficiency, forming the pillars of sustainable development. She analyzed lighting according to season, weather and time of day. Based on it, the author created an averaged palette of colors dominating the park space.
Landscaping is not only vegetation, but the entire development of the area, including its lighting and color relationships. The work indicates that these two factors should be analyzed more extensively, as they, along with form, create the space. Unfortunately, from various daily observations, we can see that both light and color are used more intuitively than consciously, resulting in a spatial and color mess, and public places are not sufficiently illuminated
- writes the author.
The Dynamic Light concept, according to which the author studied the park area, is to keep the city friendly, healthy while keeping light pollution low.
daytime color scheme
proj.: Martyna Lesniak
illuminate but not pollute with light
Martyna Lesinska also points out the importance of light design in green spaces, which are essential in the context of ever-expanding urban agglomerations.
The Podzamcze Park, which she analyzed, has a clear synergy with the Old Town in Olsztyn. The park is not only a place of rest, but also an avenue of communication. It is reached not only by the sounds of conversation and music from nearby restaurants, but also by street lights. The park is used around the clock, so taking care of its proper lighting is key to maintaining the comfort of residents.
map of Podzamcze Park
design: Martyna Lesniak
As part of her master's thesis, the author surveyed users of the park and its surroundings through a community interview. Most respondents admitted that Podzamcze Park is the destination of their relaxing walks or walks with their pet. The author also asked how respondents actually wanted to use the park. As many as 61% of respondents admitted that they would like to plan social gatherings there. Currently, only 27% of respondents use the park for this purpose. This may be due to inadequate lighting in the surrounding recreation areas: as many as 47% of respondents admitted that they feel fear of crime in the park.
results of the community interview, multiple choice questions
proj.: Martyna Lesniak
no color without light
In the color schemes, the author of the work showed what colors dominate in specific parts of the park based on photographs of representative places. In autumn, the park is dominated by saturated colors, the hues are warm and dominated by browns, oranges and yellows, thus contrasting strongly with the blue sky. In winter, it is the red of the castle that enlivens the surroundings, which are dominated by white, gray and dark browns.
color scheme at night
design: Martyna Lesniak
In order to improve the park's image, especially at night when it is underexposed to light, the author of the work proposes, among other things, using the river as a light carrier, locating additional illumination under benches, in curbs and among vegetation, as well as illuminating sculptures and fountains.
