MT Booklet VT21

Master’s Theses

Architectural Lighting Design AF270X 15 ECTS May/June 2021

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Master’s Theses June 2021 Topic

Author Siobhan Lawson

Tutor Tapio Rosenius

Toma Sova

Per Fransson

Anastasia Angeli

Jim Collin

Victória Loureiro Cardoso

Foteini Kyriakidou

Julia Aijkens

Foteini Kyriakidou

Irina Bartesaghi

Diana Joels

Mira Svanberg

Arne Lowden

Elin Ghersinich Markus Hölbling

Veronika Mayerboeck Rodrigo Muro

Mahsa Mojtahedi

Rodrigo Muro

HUMAN BEHAVIOUR & LIGHTING PERCEPTION OF LIGHT IN URBAN OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS

HUMAN IDENTITY & LIGHT

LIGHT FOR HEALTH & WELLBEING

LUMINAIRE DESIGN STUDIES

Despoina Myronidi Rodrigo Muro Kajsa Grahn

Rodrigo Muro

Cristina Mordeglia Gerard Rehm

Master’s Thesis Title Can real time data be used as an effective input for lighting control to influence human behaviour in a physical space against the backdrop of the global shift toward an experience economy?

Guiding Light: Balancing Fluidity And Orientation Public tendencies and perception of brightness and light in Odenplan Light And Visibility: An Investigation On How Light Levels And Light Distribution Are Related To Women’s Perceived Safety In Urban Areas Do architectural lighting designers have conscious and/or subconscious perceptions of themselves and others in the context of diverse and collaborative lighting design work environments?

A lamp that grows with you / a study about human bonding with objects, where the object of the attachment is light.

The right light at the right time for bipolar patients.

An explorative study of light environments for patients with bipolar disease in behavioral health clinics The Spirit of Things: Biophilic Light in Urban Environments A Hug Of Light - Visual, Emotional And Biological Needs In Lighting Design Patches of light, a luminaire with user adjustable light distribution Light-Beat: A Sound-Activated Luminaire To Provide Emotional Comfort For Newborn Babies A Study Of Optical Properties Of Various Materials As A Tool In The Process For Designing A Luminaire The home-office kit / developing a home-office lighting kit for KTH student accommodations

Master’s Theses Presentation Critics Team: Foteini Kyriakidou, Ute Besenecker, Rodrigo Muro, Tapio Rosenius, Stavroula Angelaki, Diana Joels, Gerhard Rehm, Veronika Mayerboeck, Federico Favero, Jan Ejhed, Isabel Dominguez, Iris Molendijk

all material presented in this booklet under copyright © KTH School of Architecture and thesis authors

KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

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Congratulations !

The KTH Architectural Lighting Design master’s programme is extremely satisfied to wave goodbye to 13 master’s graduates who have presented their master’s theses in June 2021 at the KTH School of Architecture. Three days of online presentations have given an overview of the large variety of architectural lighting design topics that the students investigated individually during 10 weeks. External critics and tutors have been part of the process and final discussion and contributed with their valuable input.

The thesis projects spanned from experiments and literature review to investigation through projects. The range of topics covered many of today’s relevant questions related to daylight, electric lighting, standards & practice, space & architecture, health & wellbeing, perception and sustainability.

contact: Isabel Dominguez Master’s Theses Coordinator isabeld@kth.se

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Siobhan Lawson | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

Can real time data be used as an effective input for lighting control to influence human behaviour in a physical space against the backdrop of the global shift toward an experience economy?

Abstract The use of real time data as an input for lighting control is an emerging element for designers to implement into lighting schemes but does it add any value or have the ability to influence human behaviour? The recent development in technological capabilities, the demand within the emerging experience economy and the hybridisation of digital and physical realms make this a current and relevant investigation. This study aims to understand the relationship between light and behaviour and the potential of real time data to enhance it by initiating and curating lighting effect in a physical space.

In this context, the experience economy describes the business model of providing meaningful and memorable experiences to customers as a core feature of a product or service while real time data describes the harvesting of information as it happens.

Through reviewing literature and interviewing professionals in the field of both light and data the results conclude that light does influence behaviour in the context of attention, movement and emotion. Analysis of case studies and technological enablers indicate in-space sensors to be a valuable source of data which can be used effectively to trigger light scenes that respond instantly, with relevance to occupants inhabiting the built environment. Trend reports and industry luminaries forecast strong predictions for the merging of physical and digital worlds as a means of providing memorable and meaningful experiences for retail consumers. It is recommended that lighting designers educate themselves in preparation for the inevitable growing demand for such experiences.

Keywords Phygital, Experience Economy, Real Time, Human Behaviour, Architectural Lighting, Lighting Control, Technology, Retail, group behaviour, Lighting Design Tutor: Tapio Rosenius

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An ever evolving feedback cycle, light scenes that adapt and grow with its users

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Toma Sova | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

Guiding Light Balancing fluidity and orientation Abstract The intention of this document is to explore the potential of lighting design to work as an orientation tool in relatively large-scale buildings, where users lack the environmental clues needed to create effective cognitive maps.

Cognitive mapping is the process of mental structuring of an overall image or representation of the spaces and layout of a setting, for the purpose of wayfinding.

The motivation of this thesis comes from observing the frustration experienced by students using the KTH Architecture building, documented through an empirical study and interviews.

Literature review of human apprehension of spatial evidence that enable individuals to orient in the world is used to define the underlying structure for the design intervention.

Understanding human cognition from an existential-phenomenological perspective through the work of Medard Boss and Ludwing Binswanger, together with the technical understanding of the objective fabric of the environment present in wayfinding literature are used to account for the lighting intervention on a studio floor from the KTH Architecture building.

The thesis intention is to understand what architectural elements humans use to create a mental map for decision making when moving through space, and use lighting rather than signage to accentuate, articulate and complement necessary architectural features for the process.

Keywords Wayfinding, Cognitive mapping, Lighting as an orientation tool

Tutor: Per Fransson

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Zoning of ABE school

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Anastasia Angeli | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

Public tendencies and perception of brightness and light in Odenplan Abstract This research paper is discussing light, and brightness in particular, in terms of perception, taking Odenplan as a case study.

Some links between light characteristics and behaviour patterns, such as lingering, have been made, raising the discussion about the qualities of the artificial lighting that would add to convivial urban spaces at nighttime, attempting at differentiating between how people think they would behave and how they actually behave in a public square, and the impact of artificial lighting on public tendencies, suggesting if people feel comfortable and safe in the space, then they tend to perceive the space brighter. The research has shown that it is hard to draw conclusions when it comes to perceived qualities of light.

Different research methods have been used with the intention of suggesting a methodology to be explored by others, including literature review, empirical study, informal interviews and word association survey.

Keywords Public tendencies, movement behaviour patterns, convivial spaces, urban lighting, transportation hub, perception, perceived brightness, adaptation, symbolism of night

Tutor: Jim Collin

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Odenplan at day and nighttime

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Victoria Loureiro Cardoso | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

Light, visibility and perceived safety:

a case study on how light levels and light distribution are related to women’s perceived safety in the urban environment of Stockholm city Abstract This thesis investigates the relationship between light, visibility and women’s perceived safety through a case study. Specifically, it investigates visibility related to light levels and light distribution at four bus stops in urban areas of Stockholm, Sweden. The methodology is divided into Literature review and Case study. The first provides an overview on theories related to visibility, light and perceived safety in the urban environment.

Then, the Case study presents an investigation through Qualitative and Quantitative research. The Qualitative research is divided into three steps: (1) firstly, four bus stops are selected in urban areas through the Light Zones concept tool [12] and analyzed by the author through the V/P Theory [11]; (2) then, the relationship between light, visibility and women’s safety perception is evaluated through an online form; (3) and finally, this relationship is further investigated during on-site interviews in order to explore how light distribution affect women’s perception. During the Quantitative re- search, Luminance and Illuminance measurements are developed in order to assess light levels and light distribution at the area of the four bus stops.

From the results of all methodology steps, the relationship between light, visibility and women’s perceived safety was discussed and three main factors were assessed to be important to women’s perceived safety at bus stop areas. The first factor is connected to light distribution, and this thesis understood that women’s perceived safety is connected to light on their immediate surroundings, rather than on further distances. The second factor is connected to light levels, and it was concluded that higher light levels on immediate surroundings increase visibility thus, increasing safety perception. The third factor is connected to the experienced light, in which this thesis recognized that previous experiences and contexts related to light influence how women perceive safety in urban spaces.

Keywords Visibility. Light distribution. Light level. Perceived safety. Urban spaces. City and gender.

Tutor: Foteini Kyriakidou

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Two of the bus stops in urban areas of Stockholm

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Julia Aijkens | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

Gender and the Architectural Lighting Design Team: A Study into the Real and Perceived Abstract Studies suggest that diversity is advantages to group work. As lighting design teams become increasingly diverse, there is an increased opportunity for innovation as well as miscommunication. In an effort to improve communication and inter-team empathy, this master’s thesis explores the implications of gender on the architectural lighting design collaborative team.

Based on previous research, a survey was conducted of architectural lighting designers of any gender located in the US. This thesis concludes that a gap exists in the gendered perceptions among colleagues in a lighting design environment. In addition, it cannot be assumed that tendencies seen in the general public are representative of architectural lighting designers.

This research culminates on the conclusion that increased diversity within teams strengthens and supports design problem solving, in line with previous work done on this topic.

Keywords Diversity, gender, lighting design, collaborative team.

Tutor: Foteini Kyriakidou

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Comparison of gender distribution in survey

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Irina Bartesaghi | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

A LAMP THAT GROWS WITH YOU a study about human bonding with objects, where the object of the attachment is light Abstract The main focus of this work is the idea of time and light. My initial hypothesis was that people are “creators of meaning”. It is one of our basic cognitive function. We all need an understandable motivation to comprehend, consider and experience the every-day-life environment around us. Every person’s observations are evaluated through the personal “prism of human nature”, influencing our conscious and unconscious psychology. We have all experienced a special connection with items that we own. This is also true for the subject of my analysis: luminaries. Light is a main protagonist of our life. Besides the obvious role in making us seeing the world around us, it has a major impact in modifying our feelings. In our home we are the creators of the lighted ambient, atmospheres we want to experience and when we want to change them.

Following a deep literature research, I proposed to a selected group of volunteers a questionnaire with the goal to answer a concise but complex question: why we consider special an object that we care of. Despite this topic has been broadly analyzed in the field, it is my opinion that there is a lack of understanding about the influence that objects have on attachment bond. The purpose of my analysis was to understand what would make a person holding on a lamp for all of his/her life and maybe giving it as an heirloom further on in the family. Variety of aspects related to the concept of bonding to a specific object have been identified: time, value to the person, love and care, irreplaceability, person-object interactions, extension of self-identity and emotions. In general, as a conclusion from my survey, I have identified three main aspects important for the person-luminaire bond: - the features of the person itself (personality, memories, associations, etc..)

- the characteristic of a lamp in its duality (function, light, shape, history, etc..)

- the environment - the house (ideal meaning of shelter/protection, relax, etc..)

In general, people are focusing more broadly on the effect and the atmosphere created by the luminaire in the house and I can hypothesize that the connection is created through an important association between the psychological momentum and the home environment where they are immerged into. I finally proposed a guideline applicable to future design projects and to define the most important characteristics that an object should have to bond with a person for life.

In future perspectives, an obvious implication would be to rethink our approach to design and drive professionals towards customer-oriented needs and expectations. My hypothesis is that when we value an object, we tend to care more for it. As result, the life cycle of an object could be longer.

Keywords Layers of value, bonding to an object, relationship, domestic environment, characteristics of lamp, table lamp, functionalism, life cycle.

Tutor: Diana Joels

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Objectivity of lamps

Different atmospheres

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Mira Svanberg | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

The right light at the right time for bipolar patients.

An explorative study of light environments for patients with bipolar disease in behavioral health clinics Abstract Research has showed that different light scenarios have a profound effect on hospitalized bipolar patients. Different light situations decrease the hospital stay for patients during both manic and depressive episodes. Nevertheless, a field study carried out during this thesis work of two arbitrary patient rooms in Swedish behavioral health clinics showed no incorporation of this knowledge in the light design of the rooms. Both patient rooms had insufficient light levels both in terms of circadian recommendations and perceived brightness. Hence this thesis suggests an improved light design for patient rooms housing bipolar patients. The basis of the improved design is to incorporate a dynamic, circadian lighting that varies depending on the patient’s need and diagnosed episode.

Keywords Bipolar disorder, Circadian system, The biological effects of light, Light and bipolar disorder, Standards and recommendations for circadian light and light in behavior health clinics

Tutor: Arne Lowden

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Snapshot of suggested light design for a patient room in a behavioral health clinic for a patient with bipolar disease

Symbolic images of light affecting mood

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Elin Ghersinich | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

The Spirit of Things: Biophilic Light in Urban Environments

Abstract This thesis looks to human biophilic response to natural environments, seeking to uncover methods to aid human health and well-being in urban environments.

Light is explored as a source of soft fascination and as a tool to support cognition based on attention restoration theory and mind-wandering. Its biophilic potential is primarily linked to the direct visual experience of light itself but also to the ability of light to influence spatial perception. This forms the theoretical basis for a lighting design concept for an underground subway station in Stockholm. The concept draws inspiration directly from dappled light pattern found in nature which is translated for the urban environment. To contextualize the concept and its underlying theory it is related to a selection of project examples. Evaluation and analysis of the examples is used to define and point out an existing tradition of biophilic lighting design.

Keywords light, biophilia, soft fascination, cognition, subway, nature, dappling

Tutor: Veronika Mayerboeck

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Concept image

Inspirational image

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Markus Hölbling | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

A hug of light Abstract This project is an elaboration of how luminaire design can provide for fundamental human needs. Visual needs in terms of task performance, orientability and visual comfort; emotional needs in terms of soothing feelings of safeness and cosiness; and biological needs in terms of circadian rhythm and resetting of our biological clock in the morning. These needs are tested through three bedroom scenarios named focus, contemplation and dawn, each with their own demands and desires on lighting qualities.

I have submerged into desired lighting qualities and atmosphere in a bedroom context; into how circadian rhythm can be promoted through lighting design; into how the perception of space can be effected through light; into how responsible use of natural resources can be achieved; and finally into what the impact and consequences of the design intervention are.

The investigation is performed in a generic bedroom situation without daylight considerations. A prototype has been produced in order to perform observations and measurements.

Through the investigation I can state that luminaire design is able to provide for visual, emotional and biological needs. By simultaneously working with light qualities and shape of the luminaire, and having formulated the specific scenarios focus, contemplation and dawn, qualitative observations and experience could be supplemented by quantitative measurements and drive the design process forward towards intended lighting effects, characteristics and impacts on the human body and mind.

Keywords bedroom activities, circadian rhythm, contrast, human needs, lighting qualities, luminaire design, perception

Tutor: Rodrigo Muro

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Luminaire

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Mahsa Mojtahedi | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

PATCHES OF LIGHT

A LUMINAIRE WITH USER ADJUSTABLE LIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Abstract This Master’s thesis is to delineate a luminaire design which has a flexible functional form, can be controlled by the user, and which creates multidirectional light distribution within an indoor space.

A lighting solution with varied light distributions can change a space’s different spatial experiences, granting a flexibility which is controlled by the user to direct light rays into walls, floors, ceilings or to create variations of these. A flexible luminaire in terms of light distribution allows, vertical and horizontal surfaces to be valued equally, because through a minimal intervention it is possible to shift the focus from one surface to another, providing a holistic interplay in space.

The participants, who took part in the evaluation program of the final luminaire, freely introduced their possible activities in the predefined dining room, with different lighting proposals according to personal preferences of spatial experience.

The designed luminaire was the only accessible tool to influence the space, and they managed to achieve their ideal atmospheres, and experiences, by the process of adjusting the luminaire with controlled light distribution. The varied results of the patterns of brightness and darkness on the vertical and horizontal surfaces in the predefined real space, prove the flexibility of the final design of the luminaire, MM Lamp. The luminaire fulfills the predefined design objectives of being user adjustable as well as creating varied light distribution.

Keywords Luminaire, Varied light distribution, Vertical and horizontal surfaces, User adjustable, Physical space, Spatial experience

Tutor: Rodrigo Muro

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Luminaire

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Despoina Myronidi | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

LIGHT-BEAT:

REACTIVE LIGHT FOR THE EMOTIONAL COMFORT OF NEWBORN BABIES Abstract This is a project-based thesis focusing on the investigation of topics related to human newborns and the factors found in their surrounding environment that need to be assessed so as to provide them with a feeling comfort. The objective is to boost their emotional development by the means of light in a close relation to sound so as to provide them with a type of intelligence allowing them to normally interact within a society during their adult life, reassuring social equality and eliminating potential social exclusion due to unexpected behaviours. After researching topics to have a better understanding of the newborn baby and its enclosing environment, a luminaire design solution -functioning with a reactive scheme performed with integrated sound sensors- provided further results to the main topic investigation.

The conceptual scheme for the product development was inspired by the connection between the newborn and their life-giver, closely linked to the cross-modality of sensory development before and after birth. Additional results were obtained with light measurement assessments and a parent survey targeting both the intended light quality subjective evaluations and the marketing strength of the designed product. This survey was used -along with other means- as a design evaluation tool at the final stage of the design process. Potential further improvements as well as considerations for a distinct spatial application are discussed in the final part of the thesis. The sustainability aspect covered within this degree project is closely linked to good physical and mental health aspects, clean energy use and efficiency achieved by the integration of input sound sensors and controls, and conscious production and consumption by the proposal of low global footprint materials for the luminaire design. In the conclusions, an overall summary of the thesis outcomes is presented and further research is proposed regarding both the main topic investigation as well as a greater user category that can be related to the light metric assessments that were carried out for this research.

Keywords newborns, feeling of presence, infant behaviours, social design, feeling safe, reactive light, pulsing light, sound and light, sensors and controls, programming light

Tutor: Rodrigo Muro

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View from below

Luminaire in place

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Kajsa Grahn | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

A Study Of Optical Properties Of Various Materials As A Tool In The Process For Designing A Luminaire Abstract Overlooking the important role materials, in relation to light, have in interior design and architecture is not so uncommon. However, materials are not only important for understanding light in architecture, but also in product design since all objects within a space contribute to its visual character and spatial appearance. This study investigates differences in optical properties of a selection of materials often found in Scandinavian domestic environments. It also explores and discusses the main question of how, in the process of designing a luminaire, product and lighting designers could make use of the visual quality differences between the selected materials, and when put in a spatial context how their properties can be used as a tool to create different lighting scenarios. In order to answer the main question, the study applied a practical approach including a small scale and full scale laboratory, in which the investigation was based on testing and experimenting with light and material and where qualitative and quantitative aspects were observed, measured, and consolidated.

Tutor: Rodrigo Muro

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One light source - 90 variants

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Cristina Mordeglia | KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

The

home-office

kit

developing a home-office lighting kit for KTH student accommodations Abstract This Master Thesis, inspired by the relevance that home-offices have assumed as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, originated from the architectural, quantitative, and qualitative analysis of lighting within the author’s student accommodation on KTH Main Campus, in Stockholm (Sweden). As a matter of fact, this background study proved that recommended lighting levels (Illuminance, Contrast Ratio, CCT, CRI, M-EDI, and DER values) were not met, making the space unsuitable and unhealthy to both live and work in. Moreover, evaluating individual lighting preferences, it was demonstrated that flexibility, customizability, and adaptability to daylighting and tasks are fundamental requirements for working from home.

Considering the temporary nature of students’ leases, the idea of developing an inexpensive and easily assemblable kit of smart products, aimed at improving lighting in dormitories, came quite naturally.

To study the implementation of visual comfort and focus on tasks, literature review, market analysis, quantitative measurements, and hands-on experiments were carried on.

Thus, with the gained knowledge and experience, the Home-Office Lighting Kit, an array of commercially available sockets, shades, and smart sources, supporting circadian rhythm and individual preferences, was proposed. Along with it, instructions on set-up and scenarios were provided.

Although the overall conclusion was that the market needs products with a better balance between price, sturdiness, and reliability, the lighting conditions within the case study space were substantially improved, making other students interested in doing the same.

Eventually, interesting cues for the sector’s development were proposed.

Keywords home-office lighting; student accommodations; visual comfort; focus on tasks; market analysis; IKEA Trådfri; Philips Hue; LEDVANCE Smart+; OSRAM; CASAMBI; Home-Office Lighting Kit; lighting scenarios.

Tutor: Gerhard Rehm

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Different light sources and settings tested

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all material presented in this booklet under copyright © KTH School of Architecture and thesis authors

KTH School of Architecture | Architectural Lighting Design

Thanks !

To all tutors & critics Arne Lowden Diana Joels Federico Favero Foteini Kyriakidou Gerhard Rehm Iris Molendijk Isabel Dominguez Jan Ejhed Jim Collin Per Franson Rodrigo Muro Stavroula Angelaki Tapio Rosenius Ute Besenecker Veronika Mayerboeck

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