Register to attend Hyesoo Chun’s session, More isn’t Always Enough: Light and Perceived Safety of Subway Platforms, at LEDucation in New York on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, from 4-5 pm.
Session overview
Since 2024 New York City subway platforms have been undergoing fluorescent-to-LED conversions in an effort to improve safety and comfort of transit travelers. Examining the assumption that increased lighting equates to improved safety in transit environments, field surveys of subway riders and online survey studies were completed to evaluate perceptions of safety across different lighting scenarios. Findings reveal that higher brightness alone does not enhance perceived safety, and rather luminance ratio plays a more significant role in fostering visual comfort and sense of security. This presentation will address how thoughtful lighting design strategies can improve community security in transit environments.
We look forward to seeing you there and participating in the discussion around the value of impactful lighting design!
