Stackable Post Lights:
A Smart Solution for Illuminating Parks and Streets
As urban landscapes evolve, the need for efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable lighting solutions grows. Landscape architects and lighting designers are constantly tasked with creating environments that are both functional and visually engaging, while also considering cost-efficiency and energy use. One innovative technique that has gained traction in recent years is the stacking of multiple post lights to illuminate parks and streets. F-L Lighting, manufactured by Focus Lighting A/S in Denmark, offers an array of solutions with stackable post lights including the NYX Multiple that can be configured by stacking the NYX 330 luminaire, and the Turn Series of lights. In its turn, Louis Poulsen, offers the Flindt Plaza that can be stacked with up to 5 luminaires on a single pole.
Stacking post lights refers to the practice of installing multiple luminaires on a single pole or fixture, either in a vertical configuration or spread across multiple tiers, to maximize light output across a larger area. This can be achieved by mounting several light sources at different heights or positions along the same pole, ensuring consistent illumination while maintaining a cohesive and streamlined design. In urban and park settings, this approach can provide an elegant solution to light coverage, especially in areas that require both ambient and task lighting, such as walkways, playgrounds, or plazas.
Enhanced Light Distribution
By stacking multiple lights, designers can achieve more even light distribution across a larger area. In traditional street and park lighting, light poles are often spaced at regular intervals, but this can sometimes leave gaps in illumination. Stacking lights allows for better control of light spill and intensity, minimizing shadows and creating uniform brightness. Stacked post lights are not only functional— The tiered configuration allows for creative flexibility, where the size, style, and color of the luminaires can be customized to complement the surrounding environment. Whether you are designing for a park, promenade, or urban streetscape, stacking offers a refined, sculptural element that enhances the visual appeal of the space.
In crowded urban areas where space is at a premium, stacking multiple light sources on a single post reduces the need for numerous individual light poles, thereby preserving more open space. This can be especially advantageous in parks or streets with limited space, where aesthetics and functionality must be balanced with environmental concerns. With the ability to position multiple light sources more strategically, stacked post lights help reduce light pollution in sensitive areas, such as near residential neighborhoods or nature reserves. By controlling the direction of light and minimizing upward light spill, you can ensure that only the desired areas are illuminated, preserving the natural environment and reducing unwanted glare. Parks and streets benefit from increased visibility, which improves safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Stacked post lights offer a higher density of illumination, which is particularly useful in dark or poorly lit areas. The increased light levels can reduce the risk of accidents and deter criminal activity, contributing to a safer, more secure environment for the public.
Cost Savings and Environmental Impact
While the initial investment in stacked post lights may be higher than conventional single-lamp installations, the long-term savings are substantial. By using fewer poles and fixtures, installation costs can be significantly reduced. Fewer poles mean less ground disturbance, less wiring, and less labor involved in installation.
The modular nature of stacked lighting systems often results in easier maintenance. Since many stacked light fixtures are designed to be long-lasting, with LEDs lasting up to 50,000 hours or more, the need for frequent replacements is minimized. This not only reduces long-term maintenance costs but also reduces the environmental impact of disposing of used light sources. By reducing the number of poles, wiring, and fixtures needed, you also reduce the overall carbon footprint of the lighting installation. Furthermore, many modern stacked post light designs use recyclable materials, contributing to a greener, more sustainable solution for outdoor lighting.
With this in mind, NEO Architectural Lighting offers extended 25 years service guarantee for F-L Lighting products which are designed and engineered to be future proof with their modular design.
