Abstract

Artificial light at night is increasingly prevalent in dense urban environments, yet it remains unclear how often typical city lighting conditions likely exceed recommended nighttime limits for residential circadian health. This thesis evaluates nighttime light exposure in two contrasting urban districts, Back Bay in Boston and Times Square in New York City, using satellite derived nighttime radiance, GIS based urban morphology, and documented lighting infrastructure characteristics. Rather than relying on calibrated photometric simulations, the study employs a qualitative, evidence based comparative approach to assess relative façade exposure and interpret conditions against established benchmarks, including the WELL Building Standard and ILP Guidance Note 01. Results indicate that Back Bay experiences localized, fixture driven nighttime brightness, while Times Square exhibits widespread, multi‑elevation exposure dominated by digital signage and self luminous façades. A set of practical lighting interventions, including optical control, post curfew dimming, warmer nighttime spectra, and façade or signage curfews, is evaluated using empirical ALAN research to determine alignment with dominant exposure mechanisms in each district. The findings suggest that meaningful reductions in nighttime exposure are achievable through targeted, standards aligned design and policy measures when interventions are matched to district‑specific lighting conditions. The study concludes that circadian supportive nighttime environments can be advanced in dense cities without overstating numeric precision by focusing on exposure mechanisms, urban form, and empirically validated mitigation strategies.

Publication Date

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Architecture (M.Arch.)

Department, Program, or Center

Architecture, Department of

College

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Advisor

Chiavaroli

Advisor/Committee Member

Holmes

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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