After a long phase of dealing with light in outdoor situations on rational and purely functional level, cities are now revived with special effects. Lighting master plans ensure a consistent appearance of a metropolis at night. Buildings with differentiated illumination signify the night time urban identity. Light in the city is used to mark out paths and routes, light up spaces and highlight landmarks - both over great distances in terms of the city's skyline and in a more local context in the city itself. The design possibilities range from subtle and uniform facade lighting through to expressive, temporary lighting concepts for festive occassions.