En’Light’en – Creating Dynamic Healthcare Environments

ART, LIGHT AND WELLBEING

Taking time to reflect on work so far, it is great to look at what has been achieved and how the audience has responded to the installations completed over the last 12 months…
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
• Appointment as Leverhulme Artist in Residence, Durham University, January 2017
• Ongoing collaborative work with scientists, academics, architects and health care professionals
• The creation of 6 new commissions
• Installation of the new works in two healthcare settings – Marie Curie Hospice and James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough
• Installation of 2 new works in Cheeseburn Sculpture Park
• Installation of work in Hatfiled College, Durham
• Installation of work in Wolfson Building, Queens Campus, Stockton on Tees
• Exhibition of work in progress at the ‘Process’ exhibition, Gallery space, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne
• Presentation of the En’Light’en Project at an International Symposium in Berlin
• Collection of qualitative and quantitative feedback
AUDIENCE RESPONSE
Evaluation of the impact of the installations extended beyond anecdotal reporting, with scientists and academics from Durham University applying quantitative methods to measure a range of variables. Changes in the quality and the levels of light, both before and after installation of the works were monitored. Responses of those experiencing the works were measured and behavioural observations illustrated changes in how people moved in the spaces and where they chose to sit or spend time following installation. These changes confirmed the qualitative reporting, obtained through the questionnaires and one to one discussions, which demonstrated very positive responses to light the installations.

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The audience repeatedly referred to the ‘beauty’ of the observed lighting phenomena and this was a notable response to all the of the installations. Rhythmic light patterns and movement were reported to have a relaxing effect and the changeability of the works created interest and a sense of ‘uplift’ for many experiencing the work.
The project has enabled me to explore new materials and working methods and the opportunity to collaborate with others and engage with the audience has been a rich and powerful experience. There are many ways in which this project will guide and inform my future artistic practice and in my current position of Artist in Residence at Durham University, I will continue to build on this exciting collaborative work, uniting art and scientific research.

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Presenting the En’Light’en project at the Velux Symposium in Berlin, then engaging with the audience was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas on the theme of light and wellbeing and to explain the aims of the En’Light’en project to a wide international audience. Contributors from across the world included architects, lighting designers and researchers, including Omar Gandhi, acclaimed Canadian architect and James Carpenter (USA), a foremost authority on daylighting.

This international symposium had as it’s focus how light can be used to create buildings that promote human health and well-being. Attracting world renowned architects; designers; engineers and researchers, it provided an exciting forum for the exchange of ideas and for the sharing of innovative work in this field. This was a fantastic opportunity to present the En’Light’en project to an international audience and to make exciting links with others passionate about light!

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I am delighted to have presented the En’Light’en Project at the  7th VELUX DAYLIGHT SYMPOSIUM IN BERLIN, 3-4 MAY 2017 (http://thedaylightsite.com). Nearly 400 attendees were there to hear all about the project and the presentation was also streamed live to many thousands more. Featured in the presentation was my recent work with daylighting and light shelves. The Dynamic Light Shelf featured here  http://youtu.be/MnIxc07TKvU projects moving light patterns onto the ceiling. A direct link to nature and the weather conditions is created as  passing clouds and the movement of a tree (not visible in the space) are presented as a beautiful ever-changing light show.

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Painting with light at the Wolsfon Institute, Durham University. A study of the natural fall of light in the main atrium space led to the development of a series of ‘Prismatic Light Shelves’ that reflect and refract light patterns beyond the natural fall of light. Staff and students witness the space transformed by projected light and colour. I am currently developing a range of light shelves which reflect and refract light in various ways adding texture, colour and movement. Discretely located, building users see the only the light projections, which will change over the forthcoming weeks and months. Their responses to the changes are being invited and recorded.