Light has an important influence on our well-being and the atmosphere. Especially in big cities, people are exposed to many different types of light. This can disrupt the biological clock. This can be particularly unpleasant for the elderly. The lighting is therefore temporarily adjusted in the Wildemanbuurt in Osdorp.
Outdoor lighting
The street lighting along the Notweg will be temporarily adjusted between Veldzicht and the Osdorpergracht (including the bridge over the canal). Think of new street lamps, lighting on the bridge and decorative lighting in and between a number of trees near the Groenpad. Researchers walk through the neighborhood and ask local residents questions about how they experience the lighting. They use the answers to this for their research. The experiment is separate from the new light artwork that will be added to the new gymnasium on Notweg.
Interior lighting
At the same time, the VU is also investigating the effects of light inside the home on health. Residents (65+) from the area who want to participate in this study can register and receive a special lamp to use at home for 3 months. By participating in the study, residents also gain more insight into their own health.
The influence of light
Scientific research suggests that too much light in the evening and too little light during the day can have an effect on the biological clock. This causes people to sleep increasingly poorly at night. Light is important for everyone, but especially in the lives of the elderly. It affects their space to move around in the neighborhood. The elderly generally spend more time indoors than young people, so it is extra important to have good indoor lighting.
Safe environment
The Notweg area is now experienced as a somewhat dark and unsafe route. By adapting the street lighting, we improve the feeling of safety and make it more pleasant on the street by using innovative lighting designs.