This episode explores the hidden costs of artificial light at night on nocturnal animals. Drawing on recent studies, we examine how urban illumination disrupts the survival and development of insects, alters the feeding and movement patterns of bats, and reshapes the behavior of rodents. From light intensity to spectral composition, we unpack the science behind these disruptions and discuss why protecting darkness is becoming essential for biodiversity in our cities.

Architectural and lighting design are global professions, yet the way people perceive and prefer light—especially the color of white—varies widely across cultures and environments. This episode explores the subtle but profound influences that geography, history, and cultural context have on how we experience color and illumination. From studies on cross-national color preferences in products, to research on home office lighting satisfaction across different countries, we uncover why “good lighting” is never one-size-fits-all. We also touch on the evolution of human skin tone as an example of how environmental and cultural adaptation shape our perception of light. Together, these insights remind us that designing with light requires more than technical precision—it demands cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diverse ways humans live with and interpret light.

This episode unpacks one of the most persistent misconceptions in lighting design: the belief that a higher Color Rendering Index (CRI) automatically means better light. We explore how CRI is a measure of fidelity—how closely colors appear compared to a reference—but not necessarily of human preference or beauty. From the warm glow of candlelight, which has a low CRI yet is universally admired, to modern studies showing that people often favor light that enhances saturation even at the expense of fidelity, we question the supremacy of CRI. The discussion also introduces TM-30, a more nuanced set of metrics, and considers how designers can balance fidelity and preference to create lighting that is not only accurate, but also emotionally compelling.