O ambiente visual noturno: eficiência energética, comodidade e acuidade visual na iluminação das cidades

The urban environment differs from natural ecosystems in a notable way by the criterion of density of energy consumption. A strong expression of this artificial environment is lighting during nightime. In order to allow the identification and evaluation of some involved values, a case study is presented on socalled decorative external lighting in the city of Curitiba, more specifically in its pedestrian zone along the XV de Novembro street. An assessment of energy efficient shows a poor performance. Impairment of comfort and functionality are not evident, but can be suggested. The need for an intervention to beanalyzed according to multiple criteria, as observed in several issues in the urban environment, is shown to apply to the lighting problem as well. As a result, recently observed trends of an historicism in street lighting design in Curitiba and in several other Brazilian cities is critically commented