Lighting as Evidence: Parsons MFA Students Illuminate the Power of Design
A Day of Discovery and Dialogue
On Thursday, 24 April, I had the privilege of serving as a reviewer for the Parsons School of Design’s Lighting Design Thesis Final Review. Held from 12:00 to 6:00 PM, the event featured capstone projects from students completing their Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Lighting Design. This year’s theme, evidence-based design, invited a deeper investigation into the role of light in shaping human experience. Through research and innovation, Parsons MFA students illuminate how lighting can influence behavior, improve environments, and go far beyond aesthetics.
Guided by Passionate Leadership
The session was expertly led by Craig A. Bernecker, Ph.D., FIES, LC, Director of the MFA Lighting Design Program, and Francesca Bastianini, LC, Part-Time Assistant Professor in the School of Constructed Environments. Their guidance created a supportive and dynamic atmosphere for students to share their work. Kyle McGahan, Part-Time Lecturer, also played a key role by mentoring students throughout the semester in the Thesis Seminar course.
Parsons MFA Students Work Illuminates Real-World Challenges
Five of the nine students in the studio presented during the session, each addressing urgent design issues with creativity and research.
Hye Soo Chun Discusses her thesis on lighting New York’s Metro Subway System
Hye Soo Chun focused on the perception of safety in the New York City subway. Her study combined field measurements with user surveys to reveal that people feel safer when lighting is evenly distributed—especially vertically. Her findings suggest that it’s not just brightness but distribution that shapes our sense of security.
Freni Shah examined how artificial light at night affects urban plant life. Her research revealed that blue-rich light interrupts plant circadian rhythms and weakens ecosystems. To reduce this impact, she proposed warm-spectrum filters and shielding techniques for existing pole lights—offering affordable, real-world solutions.
Zijian Chen brought a theatrical perspective to restaurant lighting. Drawing from stage design principles, he demonstrated how color, direction, and intensity of light can shape narrative, emotion, and atmosphere. His work reimagined restaurants as immersive storytelling spaces, not just functional dining areas.
Aditi Dhingra took a deeply personal approach to the issue of lighting in rental housing. She studied how inadequate lighting affects renters’ comfort and mental health. Her proposed lighting upgrades were cost-effective and realistic—giving landlords actionable ideas to improve tenant well-being.
Roberto Esquenazi Alkabes Discusses The Effect of Color on Skin Tones
Roberto Esquenazi Alkabes questioned whether today’s energy-efficient LEDs sacrifice visual quality. He conducted perception studies comparing LED light spectra and found that some sources distort skin tones. His thesis asked an important question: Have we lost something meaningful in our pursuit of efficiency?
A Broader Community of Design
These thesis projects are part of a larger academic ecosystem at Parsons. Students in the Interdisciplinary Studio—those earning dual MFA degrees in Interior Design + Lighting or Architecture + Lighting—will present on 6 May, under the leadership of Glenn Shrum and Katrina Matejcik, with support from Jonah Rowen on the written component.
Save the Date: SCE End of Year Show
The final work will be on display at the School of Constructed Environments Thesis Exhibition, open to the public from 14–19 May at Parsons’ 25 East 13th Street location in New York City. The 2025 End of Year Show will feature student work across lighting, architecture, interior design, and product design. RSVP here: https://event.newschool.edu/sceendofyearshow25
Lighting the Way Forward
Together, these emerging designers prove that lighting is not just a technical solution or decorative feature. It is a tool for social change, a medium for storytelling, and a catalyst for healthier environments. Under the thoughtful leadership of Parsons faculty, this next generation is poised to lead the lighting industry with purpose and vision.