EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Mission Statement

Transcription

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Campus Lighting Strategy is a response by the University of Iowa to lighting issues on campus. Issues, documented in previous studies and gathered from current comments, include concerns about safety, visual quality, cost efficiency, and light pollution. A Campus Lighting Master Plan Committee - consisting of University staff and students - with assistance from additional staff and students, members of adjoining communities, and representatives of various service groups and advocacy programs was established to address issues and define solutions. Mission Statement A Mission Statement was established by the Committee. The mission of UI lighting is to enhance campus safety as much as possible. In the process, lighting should improve the appearance of the campus, be energy efficient, and minimize light pollution. Lighting must be adaptable to future campus development and changing technologies, and responsive to input from campus users. Goals Goals ensure a balanced approach to resolving lighting issues by assigning equal importance to safety, visual continuity, total cost, and minimization of light pollution. Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3 Goal 4 To provide sufficient levels of illumination at building entrances and along routes between campus buildings, parking lots, bike racks, bus stops, campus entrances, and isolated areas so that pedestrians, drivers, bicyclists, and other users can travel safely at night. To establish a system that provides a unity and continuity to the campus and enhances the character of the campus architecture and landscape. To balance energy efficiency and cost issues with other goals. To minimize the nuisance effects of light pollution. Summary of Recommendations General and specific recommendations are part of the Campus Lighting Strategy. 1. Implement Non-Light Fixture Recommendations 2. Establish a Procedure for Assessing Lighting 3. Define a Lighting Fixture Selection Matrix 4. Establish Footcandle Standards 5. Define Lighting Framework Plan 6. Establish a Three-Year Plan for Implementation 7. Define Guidelines 8. Define Recommendations for Specific Areas University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy...Executive Summary... Page i

2 1. Non-Light Fixture Recommendations Success of a campus lighting strategy goes beyond simply selecting fixtures and establishing footcandle criteria. An effective, long-term solution to real and perceived lighting problems includes efforts on multiple fronts. Specific non-light fixture recommendations include: 1. Maintain an effective Lighting Committee. The current Campus Lighting Master Plan Committee is an effective advocacy and review group for campus lighting issues. Continuing this group with periodic meetings (i.e., every six months/once a year) would be an effective means of monitoring the status of campus lighting. The group can schedule night walks through campus to review current conditions and can update lighting prioroties. The group also can: 1) review information from the Lighting Advocate, 2) review information on maintenance, alternative solutions, surveys, and other monitoring data, and 3) update guidelines for the Lighting Advocate, maintenance, alternative solutions, and other lighting issues. 2. Establish an effective Maintenance Program to sustain the effectiveness of existing and future lighting. This includes periodic, scheduled maintenance of lighting fixtures and other efforts such as selective pruning of light-blocking vegetation. This also includes an effective monitoring system to identify, report, and repair non-working lights. 3. Establish a Lighting Advocate. Designate an existing staff person (this is not a new staff position) to participate in all decision making forums that affect or are affected by lighting. 4. Implement Alternative Solutions. Effective lighting solutions do not always directly involve lighting fixtures. Solutions such as an increase in visible security personnel, revised Cambus schedules, establishment and promotion of suggested routes through campus, and other nonlight fixture efforts may be effective solutions to what may first appear to be a lighting problem. 5. Continue Monitoring and data collection. The effort to identify and address current deficiencies is appropriate and continued monitoring will insure resolution of future problems. There will always be campus areas perceived as less lit or less safe than other areas and periodic surveys and information collection will identify those areas. Page ii...executive Summary... University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy

3 2. Procedure for Assessing Lighting A campus lighting strategy must establish a method for assessing current and future lighting conditions. The Procedure for Assessing Lighting combines the four goals established by the Lighting Committee to determine the appropriate lighting solution for any given situation. Components of the procedure include factors for Security, Appearance, Economy, and Pollution. SECURITY + APPEARANCE + ECONOMY + POLLUTION = LIGHTING (perceived safety) (visual fit) (total cost) (amount of light) = (solution) Components can be measured as follows: SECURITY = Footcandles in area + Uniformity ratio + Alternative availability APPEARANCE = Fit/no fit immediate area + Fit/no fit campus ECONOMY = Ratio of long term cost (high to low) to initial cost (high to low) POLLUTION = Continuum from no stray light to no shield Low Total Total of Security + Appearance + Economy + Pollution High Total Not Minimum Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable To assess the appropriateness of a proposed lighting solution, combine the individual assessments for each of the four components (Security, Appearance, Economy, and Pollution) to determine where the proposed solution is on the continuum from Not Acceptable to Acceptable. Graph showing Procedure for Assessing Lighting Note that the Procedure assumes the non-light fixture recommendations are implemented: 1. A Lighting Committee is in place and has periodic meetings to monitor changes in campus lighting. 2. An effective maintenance program is in effect. 3. A Lighting Advocate exists. 4. Implementation of alternative solutions has been completed. 5. Continued monitoring and data collection takes place. University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy...Executive Summary... Page iii

4 3. Lighting Fixture Selection Matrix Light fixtures are defined for walks, river walks, historic areas, public gathering spaces, supplemental lighting areas, building lights, streets and parking. Classification Typical Light Example Notes Area Fixture Area Walks Walks, sidewalks along Box fixture Walk from All pedestrian streets, walks through on pedestrian commuter walks should have parking areas scale pole parking lot pedestrian lights River Walks Walks along the Iowa Globe fixture Walk between Cut-off on top of River from Burlington on pedestrian Music and fixture to restrict St. north to Park Rd. scale pole Park Road stray light Historic Pentacrest & Cleary Queen Anne fixture Walk along Pedestrian fixture Areas walkway to North Hall on pedestrian east side of in historic areas scale pole MacLean Hall (white light only in Pentacrest area) Public Gathering sites Feature North side of Gathering lights Library Spaces Supplemental Special lighting needs Feature lights Walk to Law Special fixtures areas along walks or Sign lighting building from off walk edges to drives Supplemental lights Myrtle parking light wooded area Uplighting Buildings & Entries Building mounted Fixtures Streets & Street rights-of-way Cobra fixture on Stadium Drive Cobra fixture Parking and parking areas vehicular scale pole by Kinnick for vehicles throughout campus Walks Box Fixture on a Pedestrian Scale Pole River Walks Globe Fixture on a Pedestrian Scale Pole NOTE See Amendment for updated information on light fixtures and poles. Historic Areas Queen Anne Fixture on a Pedestrian Scale Pole Gathering Space Page iv...executive Summary... University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy

5 Cutoff Fixture on a Pedestrian Scale Pole Streets/Parking Cobra Fixture on a Vehicular Scale Pole University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy...Executive Summary... Page v

6 4. Footcandle Standards Footcandle levels and uniformity ratios are defined for areas and fixtures listed in the Lighting Fixture Selection Matrix. Footcandle Standards were outlined with the University of Iowa Campus Lighting Master Plan Committee using IES Lighting Standards for Areas as a basis. Area Recommendation (in footcandles) Bike Rack Building Entrance Bus Stop Campus Edge maximum 6 to 1 uniformity Campus Entrance maximum 3 to 1 uniformity Emergency Entrance Landmark Building Varies according to site and building - use least light necessary and incorporate light pollution control Landscape feature: monument, fountain Varies according to site and function - use least light necessary and incorporate light pollution control Maintenance/Service Parking Lot - Open lot , 0.6, to 1 uniformity Parking Lot - Covered lot (Ramp) Recreation Facility Varies according to function - incorporate light pollution control Signage Externally Lighted ambient light level - low ambient light level - medium ambient light level - high Signage Internally Lighted ambient light level - low ambient light level - medium ambient light level - high Walkways Footcandle Range Uniformity Min Max Maximum Walks River Walks Walks in Historic Areas: Pentacrest Walks in Historic Areas: Other Walks along streets Isolated walks Walks near buildings Walks through public gathering spaces Other Walks Footcandle: Uniformity: Measurement equal to the light intensity of one candle at a distance of one foot. Ratio of average horizontal illumination to the minimum horizontal illumination. NOTE See Amendment for additional information on footcandle standards. Page vi...executive Summary... University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy

7 5. Lighting Framework Plan The routes shown on the Lighting Framework Plan are the walks, sidewalks, bridges, and other pedestrian ways where lighting efforts will be concentrated to meet the needs of pedestrians. While all areas of campus need to be addressed for lighting, areas along major pedestrian traffic routes are important because of the concentration of users. These routes provide connections between dormitories classrooms, parking areas, and other facilities and are the pedestrian connections across the Iowa River. The routes will not necessarily provide the most direct connections through campus but will provide lighted routes that are reasonably direct. Defining these routes allows prioritization and concentration of lighting efforts. Individual members of the Campus Lighting Master Plan Committee and others identified the highest pedestrian traffic areas and highest priority (for lighting) areas on campus. Identified areas were combined and documented on campus maps and gaps between the areas were filled to create continuous connected routes. This resulted in a map that defines routes in the Lighting Framework Plan. NOTE See Amendment for an updated Lighting Framework Plan map. University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy...Executive Summary... Page vii

8 6. Three-Year Plan for Implementation Priorities and timing are set forth for action on the suggested route, maintenance, Lighting Advocate, alternative solutions, monitoring program, lighting committee, and implementing other solutions. Establish Lighting Framework Plan Concur on identification Immediate ----X Address known problems x Assess Plan by Procedure X Develop a plan X Implement X Maintenance Inventory and identify fixtures X Inspection program x Group re-lamping On-going-----X Effectiveness evaluation x Lighting Advocate (Designate existing personnel, not new position) Create title/description x Identify X Alternative Solutions Extend Cambus X Security X Promote Safewalk X Users guide to campus Immediate ----X Alternative routes x Monitoring Program Periodic survey x Information collection on incidents X User survey perceptions X X Lighting Committee Establish Immediate ----X Review goals/objectives X Evaluate and alter implementation x Other Identified Problems - (Campus Wide) Assess by formula X Develop a plan X Implement X Page viii...executive Summary... University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy

9 7. Guidelines Guidelines are the result of analysis of existing conditions and direct the application of recommendations. The guidelines are applicable across campus and address concerns at sites identified in previous studies as lighting problem areas. All pedestrian routes should be defined by pedestrian lights. Street lights typically are adequate for vehicular traffic but light levels along adjoining walks do not always address the needs of pedestrians. Pedestrian routes along streets should be defined by pedestrian lights. Parking lot lights typically are adequate for vehicles but light levels do not always address the needs of drivers and passengers once they are outside of their vehicles. Pedestrian routes within parking lots should be defined by pedestrian lights. Routes between parking lots and potential destinations should be defined by pedestrian scale lighting. Adequate lighting, determined by standardized procedure for assessing lighting and analysis, should not be compromised by budget constraints. Convert existing fixtures to High Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide. New fixtures should be High Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide. Remove mis-located fixtures (i.e., globe lights that are not along river walks) and salvage for placement in appropriate locations. Phase out non-appropriate fixtures (i.e., fixtures not specified in Lighting Fixture Selection Matrix). Periodic, scheduled maintenance is an essential component of any effective lighting strategy. Code and connect existing and new fixtures/poles to a computerized system to allow uniform identification and maintenance. Install cut-offs in existing globe fixtures to eliminate uplighting. Timers and photo cells can ensure that feature lighting is on only during appropriate hours. Pedestrian scale lights along walks near buildings should position reflectors to aim light to the walk and not into windows of adjoining rooms. Certain locations such as at building corners, near areas of dense vegetation, at walk intersections with other walks or vehicular routes, or near bridges or other elements in the landscape, may require additional lighting beyond the standard density or spacing. Cambus service that meets the needs of remote parking area users at non-peak Cambus use hours is important if commuter students are expected to use remote parking. A building's immediate lighting vicinity is defined as those lights on the building. Campus walks, with pedestrian scale lighting as shown in the Lighting Fixture Selection Matrix, go to the entrances of campus buildings. University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy...Executive Summary...Page ix

10 Along many campus walks through wooded areas, modifications can increase the sense of safety on routes without compromising what otherwise are enjoyable, well designed alignments. 1. Selective, minor pruning of overhanging branches allows light from fixtures to reach the walk. 2. Lighting placed within the vegetation on both sides of the walks extends the width of the lighted area, highlights the vegetation, and eliminates the narrow light tunnel and uneasy sense of enclosure that may exists. The Pentacrest is one of the pedestrian hubs on campus and should feel safe for pedestrians. Like other campus locations, pedestrian level light fixtures selected to fit with the architecture, site, and historical nature of this area will provide a sense of safety and identify pedestrian routes through the area. For historical reasons, the Pentacrest is the only area on campus with white light. Page x...executive Summary... University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy

11 8. Specific Area Recommendations Recommendations for specific areas are the result of analysis of existing conditions and application of general recommendations and guidelines. The following are summaries of recommendations for sites along the routes through campus identified on the Lighting Framework Plan. The recommendations are listed in numerical order starting with 1 the highest priority to 21 the lowest priority recommendation plus 22, a general recommendation for addressing pedestrian lighting issues along Newton Road. 1 Tunnel from EPB to Library. (Note: current construction at the Library will address some light concerns at the tunnel. A post-construction review of this area is appropriate and may affect prioritization.) 1. Install additional Pedestrian Lights along sidewalk adjoining tracks and at the tunnel entrances. 2. Install Supplemental Lights within plant material along the tracks and within the tunnel. 2 Bridge on walkway south of Law. 1. Complete selective, minor pruning of overhanging branches to allow light from existing fixtures to reach the bridge. 2. Install Supplemental Lights within plant material along edge of walk. 3. Mow turf up to the edge of the trees to bring a sense of "civilization" to the bridge approaches. 4. Install an organized, formal annual and perennial flower area in the widened clearing at the north end of the bridge to bring a sense of "civilization" to this walk through the woods. 5. Establish a second marked route, not aligned through the wooded ravine, between the Law School and Myrtle Avenue parking lot to provide an alternate connection. 3 Riverside Drive to Hancher. 1. Analyze necessity of installing additional Pedestrian Lights along the east side of Riverside Drive between the railroad bridge and Hancher by identifying areas, if any, where lighting falls below established standards. 2. Phase out/replace Queen Anne fixtures from railroad to Alumni Center. 4 Pentacrest. 1. Install Queen Anne Lights along the walks through the Pentacrest as part of the pedestrian route through campus. 5 Parking between Rienow and Quad. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along both sides of the parking lot between Rienow and Quad to supplement existing lights. 6 Hillcrest walk to the ravine. 1. Install additional Pedestrian Lights along sidewalk. 2. Install Supplemental Lights within plant material along edge of walk. 3. Complete selective, minor pruning of overhanging branches to allow light from existing and additional fixtures to reach the walk. 7 Myrtle Street parking. (Lot 48) 1. Reconfigure parking area to include a defined pedestrian route within the lot and connect to the walk leading to the bridge south of the Law building. University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy...Executive Summary...Page xi

12 2. Install Pedestrian Lights along the dedicated pedestrian route within the parking area. 8 Lot 75 asphalt walk south of parking area. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along asphalt walk between Lot 75 and the adjoining wooded edge. 9 Walk between tracks and EPB. 1. Complete selective, minor pruning of overhanging branches to allow light from existing fixtures to reach the walk. 2. Install Supplemental Lights within plant material along edge of walk. 3. Analyze necessity of installing additional Pedestrian Lights along the walk by identifying those specific areas, if any, where lighting falls below established standards. 10 Kinnick Stadium. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along Stadium Drive as part of the pedestrian route through campus. 11 Lot 11 route to Hillcrest. (Note: The route between Lot 11 east of the Iowa River and Hillcrest west of the river was identified as very dark in the 1995 "Campus Safety Survey.") 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along sidewalks as a supplement to the existing street lights. 12 Walkway northeast of North Hall. 1. Complete selective, minor pruning of overhanging branches to allow light from existing fixtures to reach the walk. 2. Install Supplemental Lights within plant material along edge of walk. 3. Analyze necessity of installing additional Pedestrian Lights along the walk by identifying those specific areas, if any, where lighting falls below established standards. 4. Phase out/replace existing globe lights. 13 Walk from stadium to Rec Center. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along Stadium Drive as part of the pedestrian route through campus. 14 Blacktop walk from Finkbine Lot Install Pedestrian Lights along asphalt walk between Finkbine Lot 65 and the walkway between Lot 75 and the adjoining wooded edge. 2. Reconfigure Finkbine Lot 65 to include defined pedestrian routes within the lot and connect to walk leading to the Lot 75 walk. 3. Install Pedestrian Lights along dedicated pedestrian routes within parking area. 15 Lot 13 parking area south of Quad. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along sidewalk connecting Lot 13 to Grand Avenue. 2. Install Pedestrian Lights along sidewalk connecting Lot 13 to Quad parking. 16 Fieldhouse. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along the sidewalk between the Fieldhouse and Grand Avenue, along the sidewalk from the Fieldhouse to Rienow Hall and Quad, and to the parking lot south of South Quad (Lot 14). 2. Phase out/replace existing globe lights. Page xii...executive Summary... University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy

13 17 Lot Install Pedestrian Lights along sidewalk between Lot 44 and Hawkins Drive. 18 Lot 8 along Madison. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along Madison as part of the pedestrian route through campus. 19 River walks. 1. Install River Pedestrian Lights on the walks along the edge of the river in any locations where they are not now installed. 2. Install additional River Pedestrian Lights where needed to meet footcandle needs in certain locations such as at building corners, areas of dense vegetation, and at walk intersections. 20 Water tower. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along Hawkins Drive and Stadium Drive as part of the pedestrian route through campus. 2. Install Pedestrian Lights along the sidewalk from the Hawkins Drive/Stadium Drive intersection to the hospital entrances. 21 Nurses circle parking. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along the sidewalk on the outside of the circle and connecting walk to Newton Road. 2. Install Pedestrian Lights along Newton Road as part of the pedestrian route through campus. 22 Newton Road. 1. Install Pedestrian Lights along all of Newton Road to reflect its importance as a well-used pedestrian route through campus. University of Iowa Campus Lighting Strategy...Executive Summary...Page xiii