Changing Tomorrow

Designing for People and Planet: A Masterclass on Lighting with Nancy Clanton

Gayathri Unnikrishnan Episode 5

In this enlightening episode, Gayathri, founder of Liveable, sits down with Nancy Clanton, a pioneer in the lighting industry, to discuss a wide array of topics ranging from mental well-being to sustainable lighting. The conversation explores the intersection of human-centric design, sustainable lighting, and environmental responsibility. Through an intimate discussion, they touch upon everything from the role of daylight in architecture to the impact of light pollution on ecology.


Key Takeaways

Mental Well-Being & Workspace Design

  • Mind Wandering: Nancy introduces the concept and highlights its significance in reducing anxiety and boosting creativity.
  • Avoiding Straight Lines: Nancy advocates for avoiding rigid lines in architectural designs, underlining the importance of biomimicry.
  • Movement in Nature: Nancy and Gayathri discuss how incorporating natural movements into spaces enhances serenity.
  • Forest Bathing: Nancy speaks on the benefits of the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" for mental well-being.
  • Equitable Design: A call to action from Nancy for more inclusive and people-focused architectural designs.

Views, Daylight, and Health

  • Daylight Over Artificial Light: Prioritizing natural light in architectural design for better well-being.
  • Design for People, Not Profit: They touch on the tendency of modern architecture to overlook human-centric designs.
  • Views Matter: Emphasis on equitable access to views, irrespective of one's position in a company.
  • User Feedback: Importance of post-occupancy evaluations to ensure people-focused designs.

Sustainable Lighting & Environmental Responsibility

  • Sustainable Lighting: The need for eco-friendly lighting solutions.
  • Ecological Impact: How artificial lighting affects wildlife and the natural environment.
  • Standards: What industry standards say about responsible outdoor lighting.
  • Overestimation of Lighting: Addressing common overestimations in lighting requirements.
  • Health Impact: The detrimental effects of excessive artificial lighting on human health.


   Resources and Links:

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