Pori Market Square lighting criticized for risking temporary blindness among visually impaired

A working group established by the Pori Disability Council has raised concerns over the lighting design of the city’s new market square building, warning it could cause temporary blindness for visually impaired individuals and increase accident risks.

The new market building, which replaced the historic Satapaska structure in 2022, has been praised for its architecture but criticized for its ground-level lighting. Over 20 upward-facing fixtures embedded in the pavement create glare that can momentarily blind those with visual impairments, according to the council.

“Light striking directly into the eyes can cause temporary blindness for visually impaired or low-vision individuals, raising the risk of accidents and making safe navigation in the urban space difficult,” the working group stated in a draft report to be reviewed by the council on Thursday.

Daily commute concerns

The issue is compounded by the building’s proximity to Pori’s public transport stops, where many disabled residents pass daily. The council argues that user safety and accessibility were not sufficiently prioritized in the lighting design.

The draft report strongly recommends avoiding similar lighting solutions in future city projects. The market building currently houses a burger restaurant, a kiosk, and public restrooms.

Source: Yle Satakunta