From the Light Talk Desk

When Daan Roosegaarde speaks of light, he's not talking about lumens or lux—he's describing a language that shapes human experience. "I see light as a language," he explains. "What do people remember when they wake up the next morning? That's what I want to design." This conversation reveals the mind of one of today's most innovative creators, whose work defies categorisation across art, architecture, technology, and environmental activism.

Daan's journey from fine arts student to founder of Studio Roosegaarde illustrates the power of hybrid thinking in solving complex problems. His Rotterdam-based studio creates experiences that challenge our relationship with technology and nature—from electricity-generating dance floors to the world's largest outdoor air purifier. But it's his work with bioluminescence that truly captures the imagination.

The discussion delves into his current passion: breeding fireflies that communicate through synchronised light patterns as part of their mating ritual. With these insects disappearing due to light pollution and pesticides, his team has established the world's first breeding program. Similarly, his work with glowing flowers allows humans to see what butterflies naturally perceive through ultraviolet light. These projects represent what he calls "super nature"—learning from natural phenomena to create new forms of human experience.

Perhaps most striking is Roosegaarde's "Seeing Stars" project, where he convinced entire cities to turn off every light for one night. "I think it's unacceptable that we live in a world where we talk about AI and self-driving cars and blockchain, but we don't see the stars anymore," he argues. "That's not a smart city. You see the stars in a smart city."

The conversation explores AI's role in design, with Daan embracing it as a creative tool while emphasising that our uniquely human qualities—emotional intelligence, creativity, and comfort with failure—become more valuable as technology advances. "We just got to be better humans. That's the best solution," he concludes.

Whether discussing his glowing Van Gogh bicycle path, developing biodegradable fireworks, or his philosophy on sharing ideas freely, Daan demonstrates why innovation requires us to change perspective. As he puts it, "When you change your perspective, everything changes." What would you create if you saw the world differently?

Imagine having a creative partner that never sleeps, never gets bored, and can brainstorm with you endlessly about your latest design challenge. That's the reality Sahil Tanveer discovered when he first encountered ChatGPT, launching him from traditional architecture into the fascinating world of AI-enhanced design.

In this illuminating conversation, Sahil takes us through his evolution from reluctant engineering student to passionate architect, and eventually to AI innovator through his company RBDS AI Lab. What makes his perspective so valuable is how he frames artificial intelligence not simply as a productivity tool but as a creative collaborator that's fundamentally changing how designers think and work.

The discussion reveals how AI is uniquely bridging professional divides. Unlike specialised software that once separated different professions, tools like ChatGPT create a common language across disciplines. When an architect and doctor discuss using AI in their respective fields, they immediately connect through shared experience—something unimaginable just a few years ago.

For lighting designers specifically, Sahil outlines practical applications ranging from technical calculations and reasoning through design options to creating realistic visualisations. The most compelling insights emerge when the conversation turns to design authorship. Are we still the authors of our work when AI contributes significantly to the creative process? This question leads to fascinating explorations of co-creation, copyright, and the evolving definition of design itself.

Whether you're a lighting designer curious about integrating AI into your workflow or simply interested in how technology is reshaping creative professions, this episode offers both practical guidance and philosophical food for thought. Sahil and Martin also preview their upcoming course, "AI Fundamentals for Lighting Designers," designed to give lighting professionals a solid foundation in AI concepts and applications.

The architectural lighting industry stands at a fascinating crossroads where human creativity meets artificial intelligence. In this thought-provoking conversation, Martin Klaasen sits down with Faraz Izhar, an architectural lighting designer with two decades of experience, who has emerged as a trailblazer in integrating AI into professional lighting design workflows.

"A little less than two years ago, rendering a photorealistic nighttime image without Photoshop seemed like wishful thinking. Now it's reality," Faraz explains, capturing the breathtaking pace at which AI has transformed from experimental curiosity to essential design tool. Leading the specialist lighting division at AE7 in Dubai, Faraz shares how his team has embraced AI as a "co-pilot" that works hand-in-hand with designers to translate creative visions into compelling visual narratives.

The conversation unveils practical applications that go far beyond simple image generation. Faraz's team has developed custom AI agents that automate luminaire schedules, verify Dark Sky compliance, and optimise costs—reducing documentation time by 60-70%. His design process begins with metaphors—"a lantern in the desert" for a Saudi hotel, or a "shimmering jewel" for a Dubai mall—which AI helps visualise before developing technical lighting solutions.

Martin and Faraz explore critical concerns about intellectual property, confidentiality, and transparency, with Faraz advocating for clear disclosure to clients about AI's role in the design process. Looking forward, both experts discuss the need for industry standards and regulations as AI becomes further embedded in professional practice.

Yet amid all this technological advancement, a reassuring message emerges: "It is our own light that will always guide the way." Human intuition, sensitivity, and creativity remain irreplaceable, with AI serving as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for the lighting designer's unique vision and expertise.