Critical perspectives on media architecture: is it still possible to design projects without negatively affecting urban nighttime environments and will the future remain dynamic, bright and multi-colored?

Abstract

Nowadays, due to advances in electrical devices, new digital media, lighting, information and communication technologies, cities are being used 24/7. The paper discusses critical aspects of Media Architecture in the context of public spaces as well as urban nighttime environments from the perspective of a practising lighting architect. The author examines recent issues of negative design approaches and presents proposals for improving future projects in the form of guiding principles. Additionally, to better illustrate the phenomenon, an attempt has been made to standardize terminology and to clarify the topic of Media Architecture in the context of artificial light used in the urban environment based on the author's practical and theoretical research work in the field.