2024 - Nocturne

Amidst our brightly lit urban landscapes, the vanishing night sky underscores the pressing need to cherish darkness. The relentless spread of artificial lighting has erased the serene beauty of natural night, severing our connection to the cosmos and disrupting human health, wildlife behavior and ecological balance posing significant future challenges. Currently, 83 % of the world’s population lives under light-polluted skies, and this is projected to grow as urban areas expand. In humans it leads to sleep disorders and increased stress, depression, and
cardiovascular disease and diabetes, ultimately impacting overall health and well-being. To confront this escalating concern, we propose a visionary installation: a sanctuary of darkness within the city.
Crafted from the world’s darkest material, capable of absorbing 99% of light, such as Vanta-black or its other alternatives, this kinetic, umbrella-like structure opens to unveil an immersive experience of darkness, inviting visitors to rediscover the night sky. In the indoors, it offers an immersive experience of the night, unveiling the pristine, uninterrupted night sky. While outside, it provides shaded seating, offering a tranquil retreat with reduced light intensity. This versatile structure, available in different sizes, can be seamlessly integrated into various urban environments, enhancing public spaces and terrace areas of residences.
Whether opened or closed, it acts as a shield, diminishing light intensity and creating an oasis of darkness. This feature proves particularly beneficial for residential settlements adjacent to highways and cities, offering them the peace and tranquility they yearn for through darkness. This innovative approach to celebrating darkness not only addresses a pressing environmental issue but also enriches our cultural and communal experience of the night.