Limiting light (pollution) – (Trans) forming environments
Light pollution is on the rise! The negative effects of artificial lighting include the disruption of the circadian rhythm and natural behaviors connected to the day and night cycle. This results in health issues in humans and a disturbed environment.
In order to take care of the well-being of the public and the environment the project focuses on change-making to raise awareness around the increasing pollution through artificial lighting.
A participatory workshop in collaboration with the Folkuniversitet in Ronneby was facilitated to educate about the impact of light pollution, raise awareness, and gain insight into the public views and ideas for solutions. The knowledge gained from the conversations helped to understand the participants’ relationship with lighting such as overconsumption. The findings helped recognize user needs and want in lighting design.
The missing part between product user and product seemed to be interaction, a smooth play between light and use(r) that innovates and increases sustainable and intelligent long-term light use. After conducting design research the speculative prototype U + Light was created.
U + Light
The green lighting concept was created with a focus on raising awareness and displaying a light that combines user needs and product function in a sustainable way. The light combines innovation and sustainability through its energy efficiency achieved by using solar and a 360-degree motion sensor and a daylight sensor. The idea is to combine intelligent sensors and green energy generation with AI so that the lamps adjust to the habits of its user(s) and knows how much lighting is needed at what time.
