070 FOCUS
Right In the reception of the London ofice of
Capital.com, live trading data creates a generative ambiance, communicating the market status. This is combined with interactive features
responding to people. (Poet Creator system integration by Arcstream Systems for Modus Workspace)
Bottom Flexible meeting room light and media set-up at Utoquai 55 ofice
Beyond Lighting
Together with the latest media technology, light has the power to influence human behaviour and transform interior spaces, says Tapio Rosenius
development, Zurich, where visiting companies’ logos and digital art are projected by concealed projectors on to a fabric wall. The space has a range of uses from video conferencing to cocktail parties with customised digital content updated remotely, sometimes with a few hours’ notice. (Design by EXH Design with Lighting Design Collective)
THE USE OF LIGHT and media in interior design has evolved far beyond mere illumination. It has developed to a point where it is now possible to actively influence human behaviour and experiences. It is potentially transformative. Achieving these environments involves a fusion of technologies, which can be summarised under three headings: ambient communication, generative digital content and remote management. It is possible for design professionals to use this synergy to create spaces that not only captivate but also drive positive change.
Ambient communication: shaping spaces with subtle influence
Te light artist James Turrell once said that ‘Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation’. Te essence of this is captured in the concept of ambient communication where subtle changes in lighting are strategically tied to particular information or goals. In other words, the lighting itself is the message. Imagine an office space that intuitively anticipates an upcoming meeting, eliminating the need to check calendars. Or nudges people towards positive habits such as choosing the stairs, taking a break, or drinking water. In other words, providing calm information that adds value through special experiences for specific purposes at specific moments.
To systematically build ambient communication into designs involves considering three key points: light as a nudge, pre-attentive processing and contextual scheduling.
• Light as a nudge: drawing inspiration from the principles of behavioural economics, the concept of a ‘nudge’ involves using lighting as a subtle yet immersive tool to influence behaviour without imposing restrictions. An example might be a staircase illuminated in such a way that encourages individuals to choose it over an adjacent elevator, promoting physical activity and wellbeing. • Pre-attentive processing: this involves using people’s subconscious processing of visual information. Ambient communication focuses on colour, form, movement and spatial positioning. Tese elements, processed without conscious thought, can be manipulated through lighting and media to create immersive and memorable experiences. • Contextual scheduling: timing is key for effective
ambient communication. Visual changes must be synchronised with live data from the environment, creating intrigue and surprise. Te dynamic interplay between data inputs and real-time content generation ensures that the effects are non-repetitive and relevant to the particular space.
Generative digital content: crafting the visual clues To realise the potential of ambient communication, it’s necessary to delve into the realm of generative digital content. Whether used to control lighting, projections, pixel features, art or LED screens, generative content is the linchpin that takes spaces to a new level of engagement. Content engines, like those found in our Poet Creator software, provide parameters that can be modified at will and linked to data sources. Te result is a visually dynamic and responsive environment that evolves automatically based on real-time inputs. In other words, lighting changes are prompted by and responding to what is happening moment by moment rather than operating simply according to preprogramming. Tis ensures that the same control preset will consistently generate contextual, correct and optimised output instead of being stuck in a loop.
Remote management: navigating the unpredictable terrain
Attempting to drive human behaviour is a tricky business. As US psychologist and behaviourist BF Skinner once said: ‘Te only thing we can say for certain about human behaviour is that it is unpredictable’. To ensure sustained value for clients, remote management of the light and media system in the building is necessary. Te ability to iterate content remotely is crucial for refining designs over time. And so is the collection of real-time usage data to prove the design achieves its goals.
Tis is not solely a technical task. It requires fundamental understanding of both the targeted behaviours, and the look and feel of the space. Hence it should be the responsibility of the original concept designers. I would encourage architects, interior designers and lighting designers to weave this new service into their offer either directly or through a specialist ambient communication partner. And where once the project opening meant the end of a contract, it now means a start of a new one...
TOM FALLON
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