Designing cities for night-time: safer cities after dark

Richard Morris

Richard Morris is an associate lighting designer with more than 25 years of experience shaping how people experience light in cities, public spaces and complex infrastructures. His work centres on human-centred and evidence-based lighting design, exploring the relationship between night-time environments, perceptions of safety and the emotional and functional needs of users. 

Richard’s interest in lighting for people is reflected in projects like the Bolton Town Centre Night-time Vision, where he applied the Night-time Vulnerability Assessment framework to strengthen safety, identity and wayfinding across the public realm. His commitment to sensitive and context-driven design also underpins schemes like Castlefield Viaduct, where gentle, low impact lighting enhances visitor experience while protecting ecological habitats, and the Royal Liver Building, where a façade lighting strategy renewed a heritage landmark’s civic presence. 

Richard’s research, The Role of Lighting in Town Centre Regeneration, brings socio economic evidence to the value of night-time lighting, showing how well designed illumination can boost local economies, support recovery and enhance wellbeing. He continues to champion lighting’s role in creating safer, more inclusive and more vibrant urban environments.