10 minute read
Light + Justice Symposium
Sheds Light on Neglected Interior Spaces
By Randy Reid
On 5 April, Light Justice, IES, and the New School at Parsons hosted the Light + Justice Symposium: Interior Spaces.
The symposium was moderated by a distinguished panel, including Edward Bartholomew, principal at Bartholomew Lighting and co-founder of Light Justice; Glenn Shrum, assistant professor at Parsons School of Design and principal of Flux Studio; Lya Shaffer Osborn, a lighting and interior designer and co-founder of Light Justice; and Brienne Willcock, the lighting education director at IES.
Edward expressed his dismay at the lack of scholarly work on the effects of poor lighting in interior spaces, particularly those unjustly ignored. This gap in research marked the beginning of what would become a series of in-depth studies and discussions.
Together with colleagues Mark Loeffler, co-founder of Light Justice, and Lya Shaffer Osborn, Edward set out to investigate various interior environments. Their research took an unexpected turn when Edward befriended Truth, a formerly incarcerated individual, and began to examine lighting conditions in prisons—an application where lighting design is typically devalued.
This new perspective led the team to expand their research to public housing and to consider the disparities in 'back of house' areas—spaces often disregarded by designers and characterized by poor lighting conditions. They discovered that these spaces, though typically invisible to the public eye, were where staff spent most of their time and were crucial to the operation of any building. Edward highlighted the social imbalances and the neglect faced by individuals working in these areas.
The IES and Light Justice organized the first Light & Justice Symposium on outdoor public spaces in 2022. Encouraged by the positive response, Edward approached IES to host another symposium on interior spaces in collaboration with Parsons School of Design, which had recently hosted forums on the sociological impact of lighting.
The symposium, delivered in a hybrid format, successfully engaged both in-person and virtual audiences, with around 80 attendees on-site and between 160 to 190 participants online. The event was priced accessibly ($29 for IES members, free for students), particularly for virtual attendees, to encourage broader participation. Edward noted, "I was trying to get as many students to watch this as possible because these are the folks who are really excited about these ideas...the younger folks are coming into the industry, and they want to really address these issues. They're much more socially conscious than some of the older generation, I believe.”
There were several speakers and two panel discussions throughout the day. Below is a snapshot of a few of those discussions:
Benje Feehan, architect and executive director of the buildingcommunityWORKSHOP (bcWORKSHOP), spoke about community engagement that stands at the core of their organization. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, bcWORKSHOP started in Dallas, Texas, and has since extended its reach across the state, notably in Brownsville along the Texas-Mexico border, and has even impacted rural communities and several states nationwide.
Benje emphasized that engagement within the workshop's practice is far from a superficial gesture; it is a fundamental aspect of their design process, vital for cultivating lasting relationships and a deep commitment to the places they serve. He outlined the importance of self-awareness among practitioners, acknowledging the boundaries of their experiences, especially when working in communities different from where they grew up.
In the realm of lighting design, the emphasis often leans heavily towards the creation of light, overlooking the equally critical aspect of darkness. This narrative is being challenged by Kerem Asfuroglu, the visionary founder of Dark Source, an award-winning UK and Ireland-based lighting design studio that prides itself on its environmental ethos. A distinguished alumnus of the University of Wismar’s Art Lighting Design program, Kerem honed his expertise at Speirs + Major for over seven years before embarking on his journey with Dark Source in 2019.
Kerem emphasized his commitment to integrating darkness into lighting design, and his efforts in educating about the nuanced interplay of light and shadow. His portfolio, enriched with projects like the Brennan Outdoor Center and the eco-conscious Cloughjordan Ecovillage in Ireland, underscores his dedication to this cause.
Kerem stated, “The significance of darkness in lighting design cannot be overstated. It serves as a vital counterbalance to light, providing spaces where the mind and body can retreat and rejuvenate.”
Francesca Bastianini, founding principal of Sighte Studio in Brooklyn, emphasized the value of community involvement in her work, particularly in the award-winning Gowanus Neighborhood project. She believes in creating spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also equitable. "We're committed to crafting environments that serve a variety of functions – from outdoor areas like parks and communities to indoor ones like libraries. Our portfolio spans from residential and retail to hospitality sectors, and even includes work in public housing and business districts," she shared.
Francesca went on to describe their role as enablers in the design of just and attractive spaces, a mission they are eager to share. She reflected on the parallels between theater production and architecture, noting a shared pursuit of common objectives and collaboration. "The process must be dynamic and adaptable, mirroring the preparation for an opening night in theater. We use a common language and shortcuts in communication to efficiently achieve our goals," she stated.
She highlighted the importance of communication in understanding clients' personal and communal needs, such as discussing private habits or sleep patterns. She explained, “We ask the residential client about their very private bathroom habits. In multi-housing units, we ask about their ability to sleep or their moments of distress. Getting on the same page helps us gain trust and minimize misunderstanding down the road.”
This step is crucial, especially when designing for marginalized communities. She acknowledges the challenges of such engagement, likening it to coordinating a meeting with a diverse group, which can be as tricky as setting up coffee with a friend. She noted, "Community engagement isn't new, but we're learning how to better integrate it into our professional practice."
Edward welcomed Lisa Heschong, the final speaker to the stage. A celebrated Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society and esteemed for her 30-year career as a licensed architect and principal at the Heschong Mahone Group, Lisa Heschong has now turned her considerable expertise towards the intersection of lighting design and public health.
Her speech commenced with a prompt for the audience to “buckle up” for an insightful journey into the intricacies of health and biology in relation to our built environments. Lisa's pioneering work marries meticulous research with innovative design, informing a myriad of projects and inspiring her peers and the industry at large.
Diving into a narrative spanning decades, Lisa recounted an anecdote involving an alarming design proposition at the University of California, Santa Barbara campus: packing 4,500 students into a windowless dorm. This chilling illustration highlighted the often-overlooked importance of natural elements, such as daylight and fresh air, in our habitats—a stark comparison to prisons in Denmark, where access to natural sunlight is a mandated right.
Lisa's talk took a broader scope, addressing the cultural shift indoors over the last century and its ramifications on public health. She drew attention to the intrinsic human connection to natural patterns, now often disrupted in our modern lifestyles, which historically involved spending significant time outdoors.
Her discourse included a critical discussion about the biochemical impacts of light—or the lack thereof—on human health. She enlightened the audience on melatonin, commonly associated with sleep but also a marker of darkness, and its role in brain activities and memory formation. The profound impact of light on our bodies’ circadian rhythms was emphasized, along with the burgeoning field of developmental biology, which further reveals the significance of these natural cycles.
The talk was enriched by her experiences with post-occupancy evaluations, notably a poignant story from Taiwan, where factory workers expressed their deep appreciation for windows that provided them with a connection to the outside world. Such human stories brought to life the data from extensive research and studies that Lisa discussed, showcasing the undeniable health benefits of access to natural environments.
Lisa urged professionals to consider a broad spectrum of human needs and the justice of access to light and nature. Her message underscored the dire need for a more humane approach to architectural design—one that recognizes the profound influence of our environments on well-being.
In closing, Lisa highlighted recent advocacy efforts and the progress made within the Illuminating Engineering Society, signaling a shift towards more inclusive and considerate design practices. Her call to action was clear: to continue pushing the boundaries of lighting design with humanity and justice at the forefront.
Colleen Harper, executive director and CEO of IES, expressed her gratitude to all those who attended. She spoke about the IES's dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) and how it is reflected in the organization's leadership, with a Board of Directors rich in diversity, including Armadeep Dugar from India. The IES is expanding its global presence, having recently initiated sections in Columbia and the Middle East, with plans to unveil a Southeast Asia section soon.
The organization provides membership at adjusted rates for emerging countries, which is something they take great pride in. Colleen highlighted the establishment of the DEIR committee in 2020, noting Edward’s significant contribution to it and acknowledging Peter Hugh’s role as the Committee Chair for DEIR. She shared her enthusiasm for how this committee has been fundamental to the creation and success of their inaugural symposium.
Looking ahead, Colleen shared the IES's aspirations to continue providing these educational gatherings, both virtually and inperson, as well as in a hybrid format. In a call to action, Colleen encouraged everyone, particularly students and professionals who may feel they lack the experience, to get involved with technical committees. “Everyone’s participation and voice are valued,” she stressed, with an open invitation for those interested in joining or learning more about how to get involved, particularly in the area of general education standards.
The impact of the symposium was evident, as students approached Edward afterward with their thesis projects inspired by the topics discussed. It highlighted a generational shift in the industry, with younger members showing a keen interest in addressing the social issues associated with lighting design, contrary to the established practices of older generations.
The Light + Justice symposium initiative has sparked an important conversation, shedding light on the corners of interior spaces that have remained in the dark for too long. It's a call to the industry to rethink and reevaluate its approach to lighting design across all spaces, honoring the principles of equity and humanity.
