Erco hosts The Ability of Light event
(UK) – Erco recently held a lighting event at its London showroom, The Ability of Light: Creating Inclusive Spaces, with the aim of bringing together experts who explored how lighting can foster inclusion, wellbeing and redefine how we experience space. Dueing the event, neurodivergent light artist Frankie Boyle, Frankie Boyle Studio, lighting designer, Nick MacLiammoir, Arup and design manager, Céline Dalcher, Royal Greenwich Museums, shared insights into the principles, practices, and challenges of inclusive design.
Boyle highlighted how light has a profound subconscious impact on our sense of ease and connection: “Good lighting means that you don’t notice it. You walk in, and you feel connected, you feel at ease.”
She also championed biophilic design, emphasising the connection between lighting and nature: “The more we design inside spaces to look like nature, the more we’re going to feel happier, connected, and motivated.”
MacLiammoir highlighted the need to address neurodivergent challenges in workplaces, particularly glare and flicker. “A lot of people have problems with LED flicker subliminally,” he noted.
Dalcher then shared her work on spatial equity in museums, creating adaptable environments to meet diverse needs: “It’s about questioning what we’ve done before and finding the smallest tweak that can make a difference.”
The panel also discussed the role of technology in advancing inclusivity. MacLiammoir praised tuneable lighting and smart controls, while Boyle explored the potential of augmented reality to adapt spaces dynamically. However, they warned against tokenistic solutions advocating for holistic designs that benefit everyone.
While universal inclusivity may not be achievable, the panelists stressed the importance of striving for better. As MacLiammoir concluded: “With care, you can include a lot of people. If someone doesn’t feel included, you listen and see what you can learn and tweak.” He went further to say: ‘‘If it’s not emotion led, then it’s emotionless.’’ Perfectly summing up, the importance of designing with empathy.
By fostering these conversations, Erco aims to inspire innovative, inclusive design that enhances connection, accessibility, and wellbeing for all.
