“Going Dark” is an immersive audiovisual environment that enables visitors to experience the impact and prevalence of light pollution in urban environments
Going Dark is an interactive installation that enables participants to experience public spaces as they are impacted by light pollution. The interactive environment depicts what happens if human impact continues to disrupt the ecosystem through light pollution or if artificial lighting regulations are effectively enforced. Shifting landscapes guide participants to reflect on the invisible forces of light pollution. The installation encourages reflection on civic engagement and informs visitors on how to take action in their communities. Going Dark combines interactive art with design research principles following a human-centered approach.
Going Dark prompts participants to consider the pervasive impact of artificial light and the often-overlooked issue of light pollution. Light pollution impacts us as individuals in the long term by disrupting our Circadian rhythm, as well as mammal night behavior, bird nesting behavior, and insect life cycles. To show compassion and care to our co-habitants, we need to empower individuals in an urban ecosystem. Going Dark addresses the issue of light pollution by raising awareness among visitors, and questions the lack of regulatory design standards in urban spaces. This project deepens our ability to collectively take care and be accountable for the human impact in our surrounding environment.