Contemporary urban and transport infrastructure should be designed to serve all users, regardless of age, physical ability, or sensory perception. Photoluminescent paints, applied to horizontal markings and elements of urban street furniture, represent a significant step toward enhancing the accessibility and inclusiveness of public spaces. Their luminous properties improve safety and ease of movement for older adults, persons with disabilities, and anyone who may struggle with orientation—especially in low-light or poor visibility conditions.
Supporting spatial orientation in public environments
People with visual impairments, seniors, and children often face challenges navigating poorly lit areas. Photoluminescent paints enhance spatial orientation by:
- Providing visible guidance lines – glowing paths that help define safe walking routes in parks and urban areas.
- Highlighting edges of stairs and ramps – reducing tripping hazards and supporting safe movement for those with limited mobility.
- Emphasizing key points in public space – such as entrances, pedestrian crossings, and safety zones, improving navigational clarity.
Supporting visually impaired and blind individuals
While luminescent paints do not replace tactile paving, they can complement sensory-based wayfinding systems, contributing to multimodal accessibility:
- High-contrast markings on platform edges and transit stops – improving the safety of blind and partially sighted users.
- Glowing orientation lines for long cane users – assisting in route identification for individuals with specific mobility needs.
- Illuminated doorways and entry points – aiding in the location of buildings and public facilities at night.
Improving accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians
Accessibility also includes safe, intuitive navigation for cyclists and pedestrians, who benefit from clearly defined paths and separation from vehicle traffic:
- Enhanced visibility at pedestrian crossings – luminescent stripes increase driver awareness and nighttime safety.
- Cycling lanes with visual guidance – glowing lane markings reduce the risk of disorientation in dark areas.
- Clear circulation patterns on shared-use paths – visible markings help separate pedestrian and bicycle traffic, reducing the chance of conflict.
Safety in public buildings and indoor spaces
Luminescent paints can enhance accessibility not only in outdoor spaces. Glow in the dark paints also improve indoor accessibility and safety in public-use buildings like schools, hospitals, and administrative offices, particularly in emergency scenarios:
- Evacuation routes and exit markings – clearly visible even during power outages or lighting failures.
- Highlighted stair edges and step transitions – reduce fall risks in transit stations and public facilities.
- Illuminated room numbers and directional signs – simplify navigation in large, complex buildings.
Public space and urban use cases
These paints can be applied in a variety of locations to improve accessibility for diverse user groups, including:
- Transit stations and bus stops – supporting orientation for older adults and individuals with visual impairments.
- Schools and playgrounds – increasing safety for children, especially after dark.
- Parking areas and pedestrian zones – improving legibility of space, especially for wheelchair users.
- Recreational areas – better visibility for walking and cycling trails in parks and green corridors.
Removing structural barriers and enhancing quality of life
Integrating glow in the dark paints into public space design contributes to inclusive environments by reducing physical and perceptual barriers:
- Greater independence for users with mobility or visual limitations – allowing more autonomous movement without relying on assistance.
- Reduced risk of accidents and injury – thanks to clear, well-lit markings in both outdoor and indoor settings.
- Improved user comfort – intuitive infrastructure encourages broader and safer use of public spaces.
In summary
Luminescent paints are a solution that significantly enhances the accessibility of public spaces, facilitating mobility for people with diverse needs. They support people with diverse functional needs, improving visibility, navigation, and safety in a wide range of contexts—from sidewalks and cycling routes to public buildings and transit hubs.
By reducing reliance on electrical lighting and improving spatial legibility, these paints enable municipalities to create inclusive, accessible, and energy-efficient public environments.
More than just a innovative material, luminescent paint is a step toward a smarter, safer, and more inclusive urban future.
