The article introduces the concept of “light-graphic design”, which reveals the synthetic aspects of lighting design that combine informational illumination, graphic design, and urban wayfinding. The authors examine the results of 2018 discussions on terminological changes in the field of lighting design, as presented in publications of the “Svetotekhnika” journal. The study analyses the application of light-graphic design in the structure of the historical centre of St. Petersburg, highlighting existing issues such as the lack of systematization in light signage, light pollution caused by advertising and decorative lighting, and the inconsistency between architectural lighting and the perception of light-graphic information. The authors argue for the necessity of developing a unified wayfinding system based on the synthesis of light and graphics. They emphasize the importance of creating a unified graphic design code to facilitate orientation in the urban environment.
Proposed solutions to these problems outline the main directions for the development of light-graphic design, using urban wayfinding in the protected historical and cultural zones of St. Petersburg as an example. These include structuring innovations in light infographics and existing informational signs, implementing light projection technology, introducing interactive markers into the urban environment, utilizing animated light-graphics, employing light installations and art objects as landmarks, and, finally, creating light scenarios and routes as tools for visual orientation that ensure an organic perception of the urban context.
Key aspects of the research include the modernization of light-graphic tools in the development of tourist routes and the identification of architectural landmarks during night time, as well as the potential use of light routing in the design of urban park spaces.
The authors identify promising directions for the development of light-graphic design in the historical centre of St. Petersburg, justifying the need for a comprehensive light wayfinding system as a significant component of the city’s informational environment.
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• lighting design
• informational lighting
• light wayfinding
• visual communications
• light graphics
• light scenarios
• urban environment
• historical centre of Saint Petersburg