I tried to find a deep(ish) quote about light to start, but a Google search revealed there are many thoughts about light as a symbol of the human condition, and few (awesome) practical ones. I wanted to illustrate thoughts on the future of lighting, not facilitate the contemplation of ultimate reality.
This says a lot about our relationship with light, and it may have something to do with how intangible it is, even though it defines our existence, spaces, and even health. Because it is so intangible it is often taken for granted, but I doubt that will be for very much longer. Due to the exponential growth of sustainable lighting technologies, how we interact with light and how it impacts the way we live will change for the better. There is currently a lighting renaissance surrounding solid state light, but the LED is not the only lighting future.

  • Lighting is one of the most popular sources for IOT adoption. Lighting controls can lower power consumption by up to 90% and cities are taking advantage of them, as rudimentary as they are. The future of lighting in many ways is the future of controls.
  • Many of the LED road lights so beloved of current city planning may outlive their use. The promise of driver-less vehicles will mean less need for high-mast roadway lighting, powerful streetlights, or parking garage fixtures. A huge market: poof. Gone.
  • A 3D printed home can have fiber-optics printed into the structure itself. Lasers are now able to produce a full spectrum, and soon you may be able to illuminate a room, or even an entire home, with one laser and embedded fiber.
  • Lighting is becoming a way to inexpensively beautify urban spaces, attracting tourists and creating frames and experiences for parks, events, and landmarks. Using controls, these spaces are highly interactive and help create a sense of community and belonging. Everywhere can be the Bellagio, baby!
  • When you go to work, the lighting may be programmed to encourage optimal mental and physical health. When you feel yourself flagging you may take a refreshing photon shower in the employee lounge. A light shower just may replace your Viagra.
  • When you go on vacation it may be to an area with specific drone-enforced dark sky controls, allowing you to look at all the Milky Way from sunset to sunrise.
  • The park near your house may have bioluminescent grass that shows everyone where your dog just pooped. That same poop might power pathlights, or bioluminescent trees may light your way through your walk.

My current engagement with light involves flipping a switch or sitting at an intersection. I am looking forward to the interactive future where I can dance through my printed house while cheap and sustainable light conforms to my every mood and movement, all while making my skin look younger by repairing cells.
I’m sure there’s an inspirational metaphor in that.  -Rachel Young