The Ability of Light: Creating Inclusive Spaces

ERCO Lighting’s recent event, The Ability of Light: Creating Inclusive Spaces, brought together experts and innovators to explore how lighting design can foster inclusivity, improve well-being, and redefine how we experience space. Moderated by Lauren Page, Marketing Manager at ERCO UK & Ireland, the panel featured neurodivergent Light Artist Frankie Boyle, Frankie Boyle Studio, Lighting Designer, Nick MacLiammoir, Arup and Design Manager, Céline Dalcher, Royal Greenwich Museums. Their unique perspectives offered a comprehensive view of the principles, challenges, and future of inclusive design, emphasising the transformative power of light.

What Does Inclusive Design Mean?

For the panelists, inclusive design is about understanding and adapting to the diverse needs of individuals, ensuring environments are welcoming, functional, and emotionally engaging. Frankie, 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.” Céline Dalcher noted, “Inclusive design is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about questioning what we’ve done before and finding the smallest tweak that can make a difference.”

Designing for Neurodivergence

The discussion delved deeply into neurodiversity, focusing on how environments can support individuals with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. Frankie, reflecting on her own experiences, shared, “My language was light from a very early age,” and emphasised how design can alleviate sensory discomforts: “The more that we can design our inside spaces to look like nature, the more we’re going to feel happier, connected, and more motivated.”

Nick MacLiammoir, discussed the nuances of designing for neurodivergent individuals, drawing from his professional expertise and his personal experience as a parent of children with ADHD. He explained the challenges of creating workplaces that accommodate neurodivergent needs. He highlighted how factors like glare and flicker in lighting can affect individuals: “A lot of people have problems with LED flicker subliminally. They might not know why they’ve got a problem, but it’s just there in the background.” He underscored the importance of tailoring solutions: “It’s their perception that claims, not what I think.”

Principles and Practices of Inclusive Design

The panelists outlined key principles that guide inclusive design. Céline emphasised the importance of emotional storytelling in museum spaces, saying, “We call it an emotional map. You want to be able to connect with the object, the space, and the people.” She also stressed “spatial equity,” explaining, “Spatial equity is about recognising everyone’s unique needs and adapting. The goal is to remove barriers entirely, but if that’s not possible, it’s about making the space as adaptable as possible.”

Frankie championed biophilic design, which mirrors natural environments to foster relaxation and creativity. She explained, “Movements like the soft movement of the wind through a tree or the blade of grass connect our parasympathetic nervous systems. If we can create that with lighting, we can make spaces feel truly magical.”

Challenges of Inclusive Design

One recurring theme was the balance between inclusivity and practicality. Céline highlighted the dilemma of sensory rooms, which can both support inclusion and inadvertently isolate users: “It’s an opportunity to look at neurodivergence but also an excuse. Why should one room do the work instead of making the entire space inclusive?” Nick noted that regulations can be viewed as a one-size-fits all approach, but they serve as valuable starting points: “The WELL standard has opened conversations about health and well-being, giving neurodiversity a place in the discussion.”

Empathy in Design

A shared theme across the panel was designing with empathy. Céline described how her team uses tools such as visual impairment simulation glasses to understand different perspectives: “You really feel it more. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s position to design spaces that are welcoming and accessible.” Nick added, “If it’s not emotion-led, then it’s emotionless. What’s the point of doing that?”

The Future of Inclusive Design

Technology emerged as a critical driver for innovation in inclusive design. Nick shared how tools like tuneable lighting and smart controls empower users: “There’s huge scope for getting more control into people’s spaces... Things like Bluetooth are opening up possibilities for creating lit spaces all people feel comfortable in.”

Frankie discussed the potential of augmented reality to enhance accessibility: “AR can adapt lighting within lenses, inform users as they move, and provide auditory cues. It’s an exciting frontier for inclusion.” However, she cautioned against over-reliance on technology, advocating for solutions grounded in natural, human-centred principles.

The Power of Light

The conversation returned to the central theme of light as a powerful tool for connection, emotion, and well-being. “We are biologically connected to spaces that shift over time,” said Frankie, highlighting how lighting that mimics natural rhythms can transform interiors into restorative environments. Céline echoed this, emphasising the interplay between light, sound, and emotional storytelling in exhibitions: “Light has to protect historical artifacts but also adapt to different users, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.”

Can We Truly Design Inclusive Spaces?

Céline noted, “It’s impossible to make it work for everyone, but it’s about constant communication and unlearning.” Nick 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.” The panelists acknowledged that while achieving universal inclusivity may be impossible, continuous adaptation and learning are essential.

ERCO, understands the importance of facilitating these conversations, reflecting their commitment to advancing inclusive design. The ethos is Light not Luminaire, because it’s about how people experience the light and creating human centric solutions. By bringing together diverse voices, ERCO hope to inspire solutions that embrace the unique needs of all individuals, creating spaces that connect, comfort, and inspire. The panels collective experiences offered a compelling narrative about the potential of light to transform environments into spaces where everyone feels included and connected.

To learn more about this approach, get in touch via email or book an Inclusive Design CPD below, rsvp.uk@erco.com