Conferences 2008

Sylwia Schafranietz/D 

Lighting culture: the inter-relation between human being, environment and light

What do we talk about when we talk about lighting culture? Which comprehension do we have of

culture these days and rather, what does it mean, originally? First, you have to answer this question.

Talking about lighting culture is talking about the inter-realtion between human being, environment and

light - daylight. In doing this, you can draw conclusions on the future education in lighting-design and

future planing-methods. The analysis of lighting culture is not a analyse of a Status Quo, but a analysis

of human beings and their always changing answer on their always changing environment.

Diego Manuel Canca Obispo/E

Lighting Islamic countries: the beyondness of greatness.

Since the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 rival dynasties have claimed the leadership of the

Muslim world, and there was not any caliph able to unify it. Anyway, there is a common point kept in 

mind of Muslims through the Centuries: To show their greatness through architectural works. As it

occurred in Andalusia several centuries ago, Mosques, Palaces, artificial islands or 7 stars’ Hotels in

the Persian Gulf are again a demonstration of power. But, how can we use lighting as a narrative

element? The “Pearl of Qatar” is one of those examples. My proposals are based in the Andalusian

architectural heritage. This style of Lighting Design is called “Andalusian Expressionism”. 

Petros Dermatas/S

The history of artificial light and the inherent sociopolitical aspects in Western civilization

The objective target of this paper is to bring out and reveal the latent Power of Artificial light.

Introducing highly documented information, illustrations, and references that have never been

presented before; this research, sets out to examine the proto-relationship of humans with the archaic

fire, covering a time gap up to the early 20th century; in an attempt to make an overall linear

connection to the practice of Architectural Lighting.

How should this inherited power be used today, reassigning the responsibilities of the Lighting

Designer and his role in society, we aspire to reflect on the position that lighting could/should have in

the future.

Paula Rainha/UK

Mayfair and Belgravia: the future of lighting in a historical urban environment

Mayfair and Belgravia have long played an integral role in the development of the London metropolis,

but, inevitably, they, too, have suffered the effects of urban growth. Future development requires a

reconsideration of the historical character of the areas, and their heritage quality calls for a sensitive

and integrative approach. Identity, Sustainability, Belonging, Continuity; these are some of the driving

forces behind a new lighting strategy that aims to express human values: lighting for people as

opposed to vehicles. How can street lighting respond to both the needs of public and individual,

promote different forms of transport and create a new social and communal experience? These are

the questions we set out to address. And, in doing so, hopefully, to generate a precedent for future

use in London.

Ulrike Schulz/D

Lighting design for palliative care

Before their first admission to a Palliative Care unit, terminally ill patients usually have gone through a

phase of their illness with several preceding hospital stays. The already shaped associative image of a

hospital unit should be repealed and redefined by the use of professional lighting design.

Due to the situation of being confronted by a terminal illness the view of palliative care patients clearly

differs from the view of non-affected persons. The readiness to engage in people’s perception and

their sensitivity is, from my point of view, the first step to an optimal individual design.

Elinor Coombs/UK

A point of view: what constitutes 'view'

Society places a high value on views: be it real estate, hotels, or offices, good views cost more. But is

a view just a status symbol or is it beneficial in terms of health, well-being and productivity? What

constitutes 'view'? How important is it? Research by environmental psychologists such as Ulrich

suggests that access to views and daylight is very important. This paper will review existing research

and propose how, as a profession, we can build on it, producing findings specific to our work that we

can implement in our designs, creating not just lighting installations but comprehensive visual

environments.