GOING DARK

a cross-medial artistic project
to create awareness around light pollution

Reasons for Greater Awareness on Light Pollution

Europe is the most light-polluted continent. Through urbanization, industrialization, and the widespread use of artificial light, a surprising 99% of Europeans now live under artificial night glow.

The increase in artificial light disrupts natural balance, affecting human health by causing sleep disorders, increasing risks of diseases, and contributing to mental health issues.

Wildlife suffers as well, with disoriented birds, sea turtles, and nocturnal animals experiencing disrupted behaviors and loss of biodiversity.

Reducing light pollution is crucial for environmental sustainability.

Currently, the EU overlooks light pollution while regulating energy efficiency, carbon emission and other aspects of the economic transitioning to a green economy. Unfortunately, light pollution is oftentimes not regulated, and if regulated, then the enforcement is poorly conducted. As a result, light pollution increases greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, offsetting the benefits of efficient LED lighting.

Immersive Art for Action to Address Environmental Topics

"the important thing as an artist is that the work I do can bring about a positive change. I’m trying to evaluate methods to create an emotionally and intellectually immersive environment that would stay with people and encourage them to make a change in their life or shift their behaviour."
- Monika Hauck

Creating awareness and a sense of understanding for the impact of light pollution through immersive experiences of light pollution and confronting visitors with pre-conceived expectations of “Nordic Darkness”.

"People assume that it’s always dark in Helsinki in the winter, but if you pay attention, you realise that it’s not. The nightglow is so strong that there’s always this thick layer of yellowish gooey light, so it’s never really dark."
- Mathias Schach

Multi-medial and spatial approach to Creating Immersive Experiences

Outreach to research projects (NorDark), NGO’s (DarkerSky Association), designers and professionals through interviews, events, panels and co-creation sessions.

360º audio-visual interactive installation in Helsinki & Espoo as part of the Helsinki Design Week.

Interactive VR experience in Malmö as part of the South Sweden Design Days.

Interactive VR experience POLAND during MŁYN 3D Residency in Przecław Poland

Helsinki capital region is the most light-polluted area in Finland.