This month, our Meaning of Light webinar took a rather interesting turn, moving beyond single-speaker presentations to a lively roundtable discussion about designing for darkness. We were chuffed to host Anna Levin, author of “Dark Skies” and “Incandescent,” astrophysicist Robert Fosbury, and lighting designer Simon Thorp, all guided by Atrium’s CEO, Ulysse Dormoy.

Anna Levin, with her compelling storytelling, introduced us to two characters embodying our modern lighting dilemma: ALAN (Artificial Light At Night) and DAN (Darkness At Night). ALAN, she portrayed, is the well-intentioned but ultimately disruptive presence spreading across our planet, relentlessly dimming the stars and unsettling ecosystems. As an environmental journalist, Anna highlighted that light pollution isn’t just an astronomical issue; it’s a deeply environmental one, directly impacting us humans as part of the delicate ecological balance.

Then there’s DAN, the restorative counterpoint. DAN isn’t about plunging the world into total darkness; it’s about calming ALAN down, finding a harmonious balance between light and dark, and rediscovering the beauty and necessity of night.

Astrophysicist Bob Fosbury brought a powerful, almost poetic perspective to the conversation. With a lifetime spent observing the night sky from some of the least light polluted locations on Earth, he painted a vivid picture of the Milky Way’s breathtaking beauty and the humbling power of the cosmos.

Bob reminded us that the sky isn’t dark, “it’s filled with information.” Yet, in our cities and suburbs, we’re losing touch with this vastness, blinded by the glare of artificial light. He emphasised that the very roots of scientific curiosity were born from gazing at the stars, a connection we’re rapidly losing.

Our discussion also delved into the physiological toll of ALAN. Modern LED lighting, while energy-efficient, often leans heavily into the blue end of the spectrum, lacking the warm, natural glow of firelight or incandescent bulbs. This imbalance disrupts our circadian rhythms and throws off the delicate life cycles of countless species.

From disoriented seabirds and turtles to confused trees and fungi, light pollution’s impact is subtle yet far-reaching. Bob introduced “photometabolism,” explaining how our bodies evolved with both bright daylight and the restorative darkness of the night. We need both to thrive, and right now, we’re severely out of sync.

Lighting designer Simon Thorp offered a practical, optimistic outlook. He highlighted the importance of integrating low-level, warm-spectrum, and dimmable lighting into urban spaces to minimise glare and environmental impact. He also advocated for tools like motion-sensitive lighting, PC amber LEDs (which reduce blue light emissions), and discreet, low-mounted fixtures that guide us safely while preserving the nightscape. His proposal to think about whether we need to light everything he answered with a no.

Simon is also spearheading “Dark Night” events in his hometown of Hertford, inviting locals to experience reduced lighting, learn about light pollution, and reconnect with the stars.

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from our webinar was that designing for darkness is more than just a technological challenge; it’s a cultural one. It’s about shifting our perceptions, raising awareness, and redefining our values. We’ve normalised excessive light, often associating it with safety, progress, and beauty. But in doing so, we’ve lost touch with the profound richness of the night and the restorative power of darkness. It’s time to reclaim our night, not by turning off all the lights, but by learning to light our world wisely.

If you missed this thought-provoking discussion or any of our previous sessions, head over to our YouTube channel.

Next month we are thrilled to welcome The Guy Foundation, who will explore hazardous environments. Follow us on LinkedIn for registration details!