Weitlumige

Weitlumige is a fictional geographic and cultural concept used in German-language speculative fiction and worldbuilding discourse. It denotes a society and landscape united by an extensive, integrated system of illumination and visibility that shapes daily life, infrastructure, and social interaction. The term combines weit, meaning wide or distant, with a coined suffix lumige, drawn from lumen or Licht, to signal the central role of light in the region.

Geography and setting: Weitlumige is described as a vast transitional zone on a fictional continent, comprising a mosaic of high plains, river valleys, and low mountain ranges. The climate is moderate, with long daylight periods in summer and a openness that favors distributed lighting networks. The built environment emphasizes daylight-sharing and the use of luminous materials, reducing reliance on conventional street lighting.

Society and culture: Public spaces are designed for visibility and accessibility; signage and architecture employ high-contrast illumination. The culture values transparency, both literal and metaphorical, and community lighting rituals are common. Language features terms related to visibility, distance, and perception, reflecting the societal emphasis on what can be seen and shared.

Economy and technology: The region is often depicted as a hub for photonics, energy systems, and urban design research. Energy infrastructure tends toward decentralized generation and low losses. Lighting technologies—artificial and ambient—are designed to extend usable hours for work, education, and civic life.

Governance and reception: In fictional portrayals, governance ranges from federated municipal councils to technocratic coalitions focused on lighting policy, urban safety, and data transparency. Worldbuilding scholarship discusses the feasibility, ethics, and social implications of pervasive illumination in such a setting.