Sustainable Lighting Design

Anthropogenic Light: Exploring Ethics, Challenges, and Opportunities

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Professor Kevin Houser, a renowned expert in lighting and human factors at Oregon State University and the chief engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Join us for an enlightening conversation as Kevin takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of anthropogenic light at night. Discover how human-made lighting affects our environment and health, and explore the intriguing Jevons Paradox, where advancements in lighting technology paradoxically lead to greater overall light consumption. We also dive into the ethical dimensions of using light to influence human behavior and health, offering thought-provoking insights that will leave you rethinking the role of lighting in our lives. Professor Kevin Houser’s expertise shines a light on the critical need for sustainable and ethical lighting practices, emphasizing their importance for our well-being and the planet. Don’t miss this captivating episode filled with valuable perspectives and inspiring ideas! Enjoy!

Experiencing Aesthetics: The Role of Beauty in Sustainable Design

In this episode we talk with Martina Frattura - a visionary lighting designer, researcher, and PhD student at the University of Bologna in Architecture and Design Cultures. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Martina Frattura as we delve into the intersection of aesthetics and sustainability. In this episode, Martina shares her insights on the concepts of beauty and soft fascination, highlighting their crucial roles in creating sustainable spaces. We also discuss the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in architecture and modern office design. Additionally, Martina reveals findings from her research project, “A Beautiful Light,” which took her to ten different countries to explore how to reproduce the state of soft fascination in the built environment. Her insights offer a compelling look at how beauty can transform both spaces and emotions. Enjoy!

Energy efficiency: accelerating the transition to Net Zero buildings

In this episode, we talk with Associate Professor Tarek Rakha to explore the nuances of net-zero versus net-positive buildings and address the role that electric and natural lighting have when aiming to achieve energy efficiency. Further, we discuss how specific research and tangible data serve as critical allies for vulnerable communities to face the impacts of climate change and inequality.  Additionally, Professor Rakha introduces us to his pioneering startup, Lamarr.AI, which utilizes advanced drone technology and artificial intelligence to analyze building structures. An initiative that aims to enhance energy efficiency in existing buildings and promote decarbonization efforts, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future. This podcast is part of a research-in-practice project on sustainable lighting design by Isabel Villar and Maha Shalaby.

Light pollution mitigation: bending the curve of biodiversity loss

In this episode we talk with Dr. Franz Hölker, head of the "Light Pollution and Ecophysiology" research group at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries and Assoc. Prof. (PD) of Zoology at the Freie Universität Berlin. Since 2009, Franz has been investigating the effects of artificial light at night on a wide range of biological processes, from gene expression to ecosystem functioning. Franz has also been head of the research platform "Loss of the Night" and chair of the European COST Action "LoNNe" (Loss of the Night Network). This podcast is part of a research-in-practice project on sustainable lighting design by Isabel Villar & Maha Shalaby.

The Sustainable Lighting Design project: a holistic approach for a healthier and more sustainable future

In this episode, Maha and Isabel give a summary about the outcomes and main findings of the “Sustainable Lighting Design” project and review the reasons that led them to start the project. The project, funded by Bertil & Britt Svenssons Stiftelse, aimed to deep dive into the different factors that would contribute towards having healthy living environments with minimal environmental impact from the interdisciplinary perspective of a lighting designer and a daylight and environmental design specialist. By focusing on four main key areas; energy efficiency, health and well-being, light pollution, and circularity, all of which are important to consider during the building’s design process, the project has produced and compiled the information using different formats useful for architects, engineers, specialists, and other project stakeholders. In this episode Isabel and Maha look back at the inspirations and challenges along their journey, from the very beginning of the project, through the podcast and up to the publication of the book. They also talk about the project continuation, their future plans and share how the project has been perceived by the public. The full outcome of the project has been published in a book format and is available for free online on the project’s website. This podcast is part of a research-in-practice project on sustainable lighting design by Maha Shalaby & Isabel Villar.