Design Research

Design research at the LRC is linked to questions arising from practice. We employ qualitative and quantitative research methods to scientifically explore the relationship between aspects of lighting design and experiential or behavioral outcomes. Our objective is to inform design practice and the technologies that shape illumination in our living and working environments through tangible evidence.

Current design research projects at the LRC:

Comparing human light-related stress responses in ‘real world’ learning environments and their immersive ‘room oriented’ digital simulations (2025-26)

Learning and working environments are evolving increasingly from purely physical ‘real world’ environments to a wide variety and combination of physical-spatial, digital, virtual and hybrid configurations. This pilot project develops a study framework and method to collect and interpret data about the impacts of room-oriented immersive digital learning environments on human cognition and stress-related responses. It is an RPI-funded collaboration of Dr. Ute Besenecker, Associate Professor of Lighting Design, Dr. Alicia Walf, Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science, and Carla Leitao, Assistant Professor of Architecture, leveraging complementary expertise in lighting-related perception and design, the behavioral and physiological/hormonal responses of stress, and the creation of digital and physical immersive and interactive architectural environments.

Additional design research projects of Assoc. Prof. Ute Besenecker situated at KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), Sweden:

NorDark: Mediating the needs of people and nature in Nordic after-dark environments (2021-26)

Urban developments are growing, and related design has evolved by putting human needs and interests first. To develop in a sustainable way, we need to balance our needs with the needs of nature. One focus area is the use of electric light in after-dark outdoor environments, and the impact it has on flora, fauna, and energy use, as well as human behavior and wellbeing. Six Nordic academic institutions, two municipalities and industry partners are involved in this study of the relationship between lighting, human and wildlife behavior in urban forest areas after dark. The Nordark consortium project is funded by NordForsk (Nordic Research Council) with co-funding from the Swedish Energy Agency.

LiSE (Lighting in School Environments): A learning-environment testbed to evaluate benefits of lighting beyond retrofits (2020-25)

How can contemporary lighting design solutions become a tool to support teaching and learning? The phasing out of fluorescent lighting with its form-factor restrictions presented an opportunity to rethink and inform energy-efficient lighting in school environments. Testing and showcasing new options is a necessary step. This project expands on a school renovation, implementing a testbed to develop and test concepts for architecture-integrated lighting design implementations for teaching and learning environments. Researchers and practitioners from three academic institutions, one design practice and one municipality are collaborators on this project. The LiSE project is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency with co-funding from the Bertil and Britt Svenssons Foundation for Lighting Technology.