Plans for 2025 Take Shape in this Final Report on Going Dark
Last week, I engaged in an enlightening conversation with Giovanni Traverso He is a principal at Traverso-Vighy Architetti, an architectural firm based in Vicenza, Italy. Their discussion focused on the Going Dark 2024 event, which addresses the pressing issue of light pollution through collaborative efforts from various fields.
The Purpose of Going Dark 2024
Giovanni, alongside his partner Paola Vighy, has partnered with The Light Collective, a UK-based organization dedicated to promoting better lighting practices. This collaboration enhances the event’s mission to unite experts in lighting design, environmental science, and astronomy. The goal was to highlight the negative effects of lighting pollution on nature and human well-being.
At Going Dark 2024 participants engaged in hands-on workshops and discussions aimed at fostering an understanding of lighting’s impact on our surroundings. Giovan explained, “The event was designed to bring together people from different specialties, particularly lighting design, environmental studies, and astronomy. Our goal is to highlight how lighting pollution adversely affects flora, fauna, and the night sky.”
Lighting Designers Make a Toast at the Rocca di Castellina in Chianti at Going Dark 2024
Participant Engagement and Enthusiasm
The atmosphere at the event was charged with enthusiasm, with nearly 45 participants forming small groups to work on various projects. Some groups worked late into the night, driven by a passion for finding solutions to the issues at hand. Giovan noted, “It’s amazing to see such dedication,” highlighting the event’s unique setting away from urban light pollution.
Participants enjoyed spectacular views of the night sky, free from artificial light interference. Giovanni remarked, “This is one of the few places in Italy where you can still see the Milky Way.” Such experiences foster a deeper appreciation for natural darkness and the need to preserve it for aesthetic and ecological reasons.
The Importance of Partnerships
The partnership between Traverso-Vighy Architetti and The Light Collective underscores a broader movement within the lighting community. This movement promotes awareness and advocacy for dark skies. By bringing together experts and enthusiasts, Going Dark 2024 served as a platform for sharing knowledge and sparking innovative ideas.
As the event concluded, discussions focused on the importance of incorporating natural light into architectural design while respecting the need for darkness, as well as plans for Going Dark 2025. This balanced approach enhances human health and well-being and protects the natural world from excessive artificial lighting.
Read other articles from the Going Dark 2024 Conference: