Eivalaistavia

Eivalaistavia is a Finnish term used in urban lighting and land-use planning to designate locations, objects, or zones that should not be illuminated. The word is formed from elements that convey negation of illumination and is used to categorize spaces for lighting policy rather than to describe individual features. In planning discourse, eivalaistavia areas are envisioned as places where lighting is minimized or avoided to protect ecological values, cultural heritage, or the visual quality of the night sky.

In practice, areas labeled as eivalaistavia are typically subject to guidelines that limit the number of luminaires, restrict light intensity and upward emission, require shielding, and implement curfews or motion-activated lighting. The aim is to reduce energy consumption, minimize light pollution, and safeguard habitats or vistas that are sensitive to artificial light. The designation is commonly discussed in the context of sustainable design, urban ecology, and astronomy-friendly planning.

Designations often consider ecological sensitivity (such as nocturnal wildlife and migration patterns), astronomical visibility, and cultural or aesthetic values associated with darkness. They must balance these goals with safety and functional needs, ensuring that essential lighting remains for public spaces and emergency access. The concept is more of a planning label than a standardized national policy, and its usage varies by municipality and project.

Related concepts include dark-sky preservation, light pollution mitigation, energy-efficient lighting, and locational terms like unlit or low-light zones used in local planning documents.