January 28, 2026
Why Snow Makes Outdoor Lighting Feel More Human
Researchers connect face visibility, visual comfort, and the influence of diffuse illumination
In much of North America this past week, cities were cloaked in snow and ice while slippery sidewalks were lit by a patchwork of streetlights and LED glare. And while the footing may have been treacherous at times, our faces might have looked just a bit more welcoming. That’s not a metaphor.
A study out of Norway and published in LEUKUS, The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, shows that snowy conditions, by reflecting and diffusing ambient light, can make pedestrian faces appear better lit — and even friendlier — to passersby.
Conducted on Oslo footpaths under both snowy and clear conditions, the research didn’t just rely on photometric data. It combined lighting measurements, calibrated photography of face-shaped light probes, and subjective ratings from human observers. The findings point to something lighting professionals know instinctively but now have numbers to back up: it's not just how much light you deliver, but how it's delivered — especially when human interaction is at stake.
From Streetlamps to Social Light Fields
The study’s authors coined the term “Social Light Field,” borrowing from Jan Gehl’s “social field of vision,” to describe the perceptual and emotional dimensions of pedestrian lighting. Snow enhanced lighting diffuseness and vertical illuminance — both of which strongly correlated with how “friendly” and “well-lit” a face appeared in photos. When lighting came from the front, or was diffused by snow, observers were more likely to rate the environment as comfortable and the face as inviting.
For designers working in less picturesque climates, you don’t need snow to create socially attuned lighting. Design strategies that enhance vertical illumination, reduce harsh contrasts, and mimic diffuse conditions can deliver similar benefits. While snowy sidewalks are temporary, thoughtful lighting design can make walkways feel safer and more humane year-round.
