Beyond Light: Exploring the Rich Geographies of Urban Darkness

Tim Edensor

Urban Studies

Vol. 52, No. 3, Special Issue: Geographies of the Urban Night February 2015, pp. 422-438.

Abstract:

In a field often preoccupied with geographical landscapes illuminated by light, this paper delves into the diverse qualities that contribute to our experience of darkness in urban settings. Historically, darkness has been imbued with negative connotations through metaphors such as the dark side and forces of darkness, implying a contrasting realm agnst that which enlightens and illuminates. These metaphors might have resonated from earlier times when the nocturnal city harbored myriad perils, prompting inhabitants to secure their homes behind closed doors once darkness desced.

However, contemporary urban illumination has fundamentally transformed experiences within the night-time environment, giving rise to cityscapes of regulation, hierarchical selectiveness in access and visibility, consumption and fantasy. Yet this paper argues that the more nuanced aspects of darkness have been neglected-a potential for fostering conviviality and intimacy under starless skies; a realm where aesthetics and atmospherics of darkness and shadows are appreciated; opportunities for encountering the world through senses other than sight; and the dismissing of the once-dominant star-saturated night sky.

The essence of this paper is to challenge traditional perceptions of urban darkness as merely an absence or a void. Rather, it underscores how darkness can catalyze unique experiences in cities, such as:

1 Promoting conviviality through shared spaces illuminated by candles, lanterns or twinkling lights that foster community interaction and relaxation.

2 Offering atmospheric conditions for art installations, performances, or gatherings that rely on the interplay of light and shadow to create a sense of wonder and mystery.

3 Encouraging multisensory experiences where sound, smell, touch, and taste become heightened in environments where vision is limited, enhancing perception and emotional engagement with urban spaces.

4 Facilitating contemplation and introspection away from the glare of artificial lights, providing a retreat that allows for reflection on both personal and societal aspects.

This paper advocate for a more inclusive discourse on urban darkness as an integral component of city life. It suggests that understanding its various qualities can enrich our comprehension of how cities are experienced and negotiated by their inhabitants. By recognizing the potential for conviviality, aesthetic appreciation, multisensory experiences, and introspection fostered by darkness, we broaden our understanding beyond mere functional illumination to embrace the rich cultural, social, and psychological dimensions of night-time urban environments.

In essence, this paper contributes to a broader conversation on how cities can be designed not just in terms of their physical lightscapes but also in relation to darker spaces that offer unique opportunities for communal interaction, artistic expression, sensory exploration, and personal reflection. By exploring these aspects, we open the door to more inclusive urban policies and designs that embrace diverse forms of experience within the complex interplay of day and night.

Journal Information:

Urban Studies is an international journal focusing on urban scholarship. It has been pivotal in shaping intellectual and policy debates around cities since its inception in 1964, hosting groundbreaking contributions across social science disciplines. The journal mntn and ext this role by providing a platform for researchers pushing the boundaries of academic research about cities from empirical, theoretical, or policy perspectives.

Publisher Information:

SAGE Publications is an academic and professional publisher dedicated to advancing scholarly knowledge worldwide through books, journals, software, and digital resources under its SAGE imprint.

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