Harmonizing spaces: human-centric lighting principles & soundscape design for enhanced environments

Human-centric lighting: principles in practice

This presentation will share the latest scientific evidence of the dynamic intersection between the visual and non-visual pathways and the critical role of light in modulating sleep, mood and metabolism. We will review recent examples of the applications of these principles to healthcare, educational and workplace settings. Finally, we will explore the implications of this new understanding for architecture and interior design. 

Dr Shelley James is an international consultant on light and health, TEDx speaker, author and elected member of the WELL Light Advisory. She is also a trained electrician, lighting designer and open-water swimmer.

Soundscape actions: considering everyday sounds in planning and design of outdoor environments

Soundscape is a term that can be used to analyze and understand the experience of everyday sounds. The production of everyday sounds is closely intertwined with architecture, as different types of architectural places encourage various types of activities that produce a variety of sounds. Moreover, shapes and material properties of the built environment influence the character and acoustic behavior of the sounds being produced. Soundscapes are inherently complex, as they include all sounds – positive as well as negative. Soundscape actions is a tool developed with the intention to inspire planners and designers of outdoor environments to think more about soundscapes, especially in noise exposed situations.

Dr. Gunnar Cerwén  is a soundscape researcher with a background in landscape architecture and environmental psychology. He is currently a visiting scholar with the acoustics group at UCL, where he is conducting research on psychophysiological responses to natural sounds. He has previously worked on soundscape interventions and soundscape design strategies in Japan, France and Sweden.