Night Restoration in Urban University Campuses: A Simulation-Based Engineering Approach for YTU Davutpaşa
Kerem Açikbaş* and Ramazan Ayaz
ABSTRACT
This study aims to quantify night sky brightness at Yıldız Technical University (YTU) Davutpaşa Campus, mapping it using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify light pollution hot spots. Sky brightness values were collected across 18 measurement points using a Sky Quality Meter (SQM) with 10 repetitions per point (at 10-second intervals), while horizontal and vertical illuminance levels were simultaneously measured at eye level using a lux meter to correlate both datasets on a common graphical plane. The Magnitudes Per Square Arcsecond (MPSAS) across the campus ranged between 16.08 and 17.56 mag/arcsec² (approximately corresponding to urban/Bortle 8–9 conditions), with the lowest values observed around central pathways and open athletic fields, and relatively darker pockets located along peripheral zones. These findings suggest the adverse impacts of high correlated color temperature (CCT) sources and floodlights exhibiting flux spill into the upper hemisphere. Accordingly, to embody the improvement potential at the critical point where light pollution reached its maximum across the campus, a typical calculation (design simulation) was performed; within this framework, design parameters such as luminaire type, mounting height, spacing, positioning, and tilt angle were thoroughly addressed to present a comprehensive design proposal. Potential mitigation strategies include full cut-off luminaires, CCT 3000 K, smart controls via timers/sensors, and periodic GISbased monitoring. The proposed methodology is repeatable and can provide decision support for energy-efficient lighting retrofits at the campus scale. Future studies will aim to develop lighting designs tailored to the campus's spatial and cultural identity, alongside strategies to mitigate the identified light pollution.
