A multi-level optimization and evaluation framework for electro-optical media facade lighting

Abstract The widespread adoption of electro-optical media facades in urban nightscapes is accompanied by challenges of high energy consumption and light pollution, which are exacerbated by fragmented optimization strategies and a lack of multidimensional evaluation tools. To address these gaps, this study proposes an integrated multilevel optimization framework (technical, design, and control) coupled with an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)-based evaluation system. The system incorporates six indicators spanning environmental, technical, and human dimensions. Applied to the Binhu Times Center case, the optimized scheme reduces annual energy consumption by 22.56%, lowers the glare index by 34.87%, and achieves a lighting power density of 8.47 W/m², complying with national standards while attaining an “Excellent” comprehensive rating. The core contributions are twofold: (1) it establishes a systematic three-tiered optimization framework that synergizes previously isolated strategies, and (2) it introduces a hybrid AHP-performance simulation evaluation methodology, enabling a holistic and quantitative assessment of media facade lighting performance. This study provides a replicable theoretical framework and practical toolkit for advancing sustainable urban nightscape lighting design.