Dark Design : Reimagining Nocturnal Ambiances

Dunn, Nick (2020) Dark Design : Reimagining Nocturnal Ambiances. In: Ambiances, Alloaesthesia: Senses, Inventions, Worlds : Proceedings of the 4th International Congress on Ambiances. International Ambiances Network, USA, pp. 114-119. ISBN 9782952094870

Text (Dark Design_Reimagining Nocturnal Ambiances (2020) Nick Dunn)
Dark_Design_Reimagining_Nocturnal_Ambiances_2020_Nick_Dunn.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial.
Download (162kB)

Abstract

The implementation of energy-efficient artificial lighting has been accompanied by a compelling narrative of savings in economic terms. However, this obscures significant costs to the environment, humans and non-humans. It has also led to higher levels of brightness at night. Integral to this process is the loss of nocturnal atmospheres and ambiances as access to darkness becomes further limited. We need new ways to address this ongoing extinction of experience of the nocturnal commons. Design can provide a valuable role in its ability to explore alternatives, to speculate on new sensitizations that enable nocturnal urban ambiances to be reimagined. This paper proposes an emerging field of ‘Dark Design’ as advocacy for change of existing beliefs concerning artificial lighting and darkness