Lighting for humans showcased through The Photon Project in London
© 2013 EPFL
The Photon Project is a four year study into the biological effects of light on human beings and the development of healthy living solutions for all types of buildings. Current research from the LIPID laboratory at EPFL on health, comfort and perceptual aspects of lighting in buildings was presented during a dedicated symposium, organized as part of the London Design Festival and involving professionals and researchers from Europe and the US.
The aim of the Photon Project is to change the design of the built environment and generate innovations for improving health and well-being and ultimately transform the living and working conditions of people throughout the world. As a prototype concept for what will ultimately become the Photon House, an all-glass Photon Pod was built to launch the project , showcased from the 14th to 22nd September, for the London Design Festival in the area of the Building Center in Central London. Within this framework, a photon symposium took place from 16-17 September. The symposium featured presentations and discussion sessions to debate the link between daylight and science, technology, health, well-being, architecture and design. Featured speakers were Professor Steve Lockley of Harvard Medical School, Professor Marilyne Andersen of EPFL Lausanne, Sean Carney – Chief Design Officer at Philips, Mike Roberts – MD of HAB Housing, Dr Martin Kemp of NanoKTN, Paul Hicks of Velux GB, Tim Macfarlane of Glass and Glass Artist Danny. The intention was to engage the public and achieve “proof of concept”. It is said that 1000 enthusiastic people toured the pod over the 9 days.