Why not? It just makes the business of being alive more interesting.

As well as photosensors the lamp-posts must include touch sensors. Not content with the discrete one-touch-changes-it assortment of Red, Yellow, Green and Blue? How about adding a whole spectrum of different hues to create a dimmer effect but where the longer a person holds on to the lamp-post the greater the change in its color, going from red through the spectrum to blue to purple and back to red again.

Its a completely publically arranged lighting system idea where any passing joe can stop and transform his/her neighbouring environment in a wiki (at least when its dark).

Potential benefits (other than that given at the top, and the prettiness aspect of it) : Color affects mood. Customizable colored lighting increases users power over their own mood. Might even reduce street crime at some analysable optimal settings.
-- Xen, Jan 31 2003

This reminds me of the fabulous "Only Forward" by Michael Marshall-Smith. There's a neighbourhood called "Colour" where this kind of thing goes on, plus a lot more. The hero even gets complimented on his co-ordination with the streets. Sorry, off topic, but highly recommended.

I'm all for this kind of thing. Bun.
-- sild, Jan 31 2003


It should be useful when developing photos outdoors, and it might keep away any dog with a leg up. On the other hand it may spark a rash of pole dancing trollops under disco lights.
-- FarmerJohn, Jan 31 2003


Also they should bend over as you pass by, and scrutinise you. Unless that makes you feel paranoid, in which case you can file your details with the council.
-- kropotkin, Jan 31 2003


// It just makes the business of being alive more interesting. //

I applaud your cause but there are better ways to achieve this.
-- waugsqueke, Jan 31 2003


..that don't exclude this way.
-- sild, Jan 31 2003


superb idea, add a black light setting too. it wouldn't be great for road safety, but imagine halloween if your ghoul face glowed while out-of-doors, and not just at the local skate-rink.
-- RMNixon, Jan 31 2003


Sounds more like a public art installation than municipal lighting, but I'd vote for it either way.
-- DrCurry, Jan 31 2003


One problem: visibility can vary under different colours of light.
-- my face your, Jan 31 2003


I don't think I'd include red, yellow, or green lights in the mix.

"But officer, I swear it was green a second ago!"
-- RayfordSteele, Jan 31 2003


[RayfordSteele] There's plenty of yellow streeet lights where I am.
-- RoboBust, Jan 31 2003



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