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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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Biophilic Dynamic Light Projections: A proposal for the revitalization of socially-inactive urban spaces

Author

Term

4. Term

Education

Publication year

2018

Submitted on

Pages

87

Abstract

Biofili betyder vores medfødte tilknytning til naturen. Selvom naturinspirerede løsninger er kendt for at gavne trivsel og påvirke, hvordan vi oplever steder, bruges de sjældent i lysdesign. Dette projekt undersøger, hvordan naturinspirerede (biofile) mønstre kan kombineres med moderne teknologi og bruges som dynamiske lysprojektioner til hurtig og effektiv genoplivning af socialt inaktive, underudnyttede byrum. Målet er at skabe viden om at udvikle, implementere og finjustere biofile, dynamiske lysmønstre. Arbejdet bygger på litteratur- og casestudier, designeksperimenter og en test af, hvordan mennesker opfatter atmosfære. Fokus var på præference for biofile kontra ikke-biofile mønstre, visuel kompleksitet, hastigheden hvormed mønstre ændrer sig, og værdien af interaktivitet (muligheden for at påvirke lyset). Resultaterne viser, at biofile mønstre vurderes mere positivt end ikke-biofile. Der er generel præference for lav til middel visuel kompleksitet. Langsom ændringshastighed opleves som behageligst, mens højere hastighed forringer oplevelsen af stemning. Når man kan interagere med det biofile mønster, forbedres både oplevet tryghed og atmosfære. Praktisk anbefales videoprojektorer sammen med Processing (et open source-værktøj til kreativ kodning) til små skalaer, mens gobo-projektorer (projektorer, der kaster former gennem en skabelon) egner sig til større installationer.

Biophilia is our innate tendency to connect with nature. Although nature-inspired solutions are known to support well-being and shape how we experience places, they are rarely used in lighting design. This thesis explores how biophilic patterns can be combined with modern technology and delivered as dynamic light projections to quickly revitalize socially inactive, underused urban spaces. The goal is to build practical knowledge on creating, implementing, and fine-tuning biophilic dynamic light patterns. The study draws on a literature and case review, design experiments, and a test of how people perceive atmosphere. It examines preferences for biophilic versus non-biophilic patterns, the effects of visual complexity, speed of change (how fast patterns move), and the added value of interactivity (letting people influence the light). Findings show that biophilic patterns are perceived more positively than non-biophilic ones. Overall, people prefer low to medium visual complexity. Slower changes are most pleasant, while higher speeds worsen the perceived atmosphere. Allowing interaction with the biophilic pattern improves perceived safety and atmosphere. For practice, video projectors with Processing (an open-source creative coding tool) are recommended for small-scale setups, while gobo projectors (devices that project shapes through a template) are better for larger installations.

[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]