ArchLIGHT Summit: Full Schedule

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12:00pm CDT

Unpacking The Rainbow Connection – Lighting Design for Human Health and Wellbeing

Wednesday September 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

For decades, architectural lighting design has focused on vision and aesthetics. More recently, however, discoveries and a growing understanding of the connection between light, human circadian biology and certain chronic health issues have challenged lighting designers to also account for how light affects physiological wellbeing. Considerations related to the intensity, direction, duration and timing of exposure to short wavelength blue light has altered both product and practice. Now, the industry is beginning to learn that wellbeing isn’t just influenced by blue light, but also far red and near infrared (NIR) radiation. New products, bold claims, and nascent science offer an intriguing story of how an NIR-rich interior lighting spectrum like sunlight could improve cognition, boost mood, reduce pain, repair tissue, and more. This presentation will introduce the science of photobiomodulation, outlining what is currently known and what could change in the future. It will also cover how lighting practice might change, and what to watch for as the science emerges.

Designing with photobiomodulation in mind will be a substantially different exercise than designing for vision or even for circadian effect. This is primarily because photobiomodulation works through the mitochondria present in living cells rather than only through the eyes. Thus, there are important discussions about the dose of light, where it is delivered, and how it can function independently of lighting for vision. There are also broader questions about accounting for potentially large increases in energy use, balanced with the potential benefits to society. This presentation will help attendees be at the forefront of what could be the next major disruption to lighting practice, allowing them to deliver better solutions for clients.

Speakers

Dave Pfund

Senior Vice President Research and Product Management, The Lighting Quotient

Dave Pfund is an innovation-driven lighting industry thought leader focused on technologies that advance personal wellbeing and sustainable building initiatives. He is passionate about lighting science, biological and psychological responses to light, and related health impacts. In... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
TBA

Design, Seminar

CEU Type AIA, IDCEC
Audience Architect, Engineer, Lighting Designer, Interior Designer, End User
Level Beginner
Session Track Design Innovation + Emerging Practice, Human-Centered Design + Wellbeing

1:00pm CDT

Lighting to Support Human Health and Wellbeing

Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

Unlock the powerful biological potential of light and transform how people feel, function, and sleep in your buildings. This evidence-based course translates cutting-edge light-and-health research directly into your practical workflow, moving beyond aesthetics to show you how light affects the visual, perceptual, and circadian systems. You'll master the cause-and-effect of key design variables (spectrum, timing, duration) on human outcomes like task performance, alertness, and glare control. Critically, you will demystify and learn to apply advanced metrics from standards like WELL and CIE S 026 to achieve targets such as vertical illuminance at the eye, EV/EH ratios and controls. Through real-world case studies, you'll gain the step-by-step strategy for implementing "bright days, dim evenings, dark nights," empowering you to design environments that directly improve occupant sleep, safety, and overall well-being.

Speakers

Jennifer Brons

Mariana Figueiro

Mariana Figueiro, PhD, is among the world’s leading experts in the area of light and health, with a focus on bridging science to practical applications aimed at improving human quality of life. She has made a significant impact on this developing field and continues to actively... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Design, Seminar

Audience Interior Designer, Lighting Designer, Architect
Level Intermediate
Session Track Human-Centered Design + Wellbeing, Interior Design Applications

2:00pm CDT

Equitable by Design: Dynamic Lighting Systems for Neurodivergent Accessiblity

Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

TBA

Using the recently completed La Nubé STEAM Discovery Center as a case study, this presentation explores how dynamic lighting and complex control systems can address the sensory needs of neurodivergent visitors through accessible and equitable lighting design. La Nubé is the first children's museum in the United States where the exhibit lighting can change to meet the unique needs of its visitors: a full suite of stimulus control modes modulate the exhibits to maximize accessibility and minimize environmental stimuli for neurodivergent individuals. The presentation delves into the lighting and control system challenges these requirements presented, and how to navigate similar challenges to advance accessible lighting in future work. Topics include design advocacy and client coordination; systems design strategy and pitfalls; sensory-friendly design strategies; project-specific lessons learned; and real-world impacts from museum staff and local advocacy groups.

Speakers

John Delfino

Associate Principal, Available Light, Inc

John Delfino has spent over a decade creating narrative-rich lighting designs for permanent installations. At Available Light, he has contributed to major museum and architectural projects, in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, the National WWII... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
TBA

Design, Seminar

CEU Type AIA, IDCEC
Audience Architect, Engineer, Lighting Designer
Level Intermediate
Session Track Case Studies + Real-World Application, Design Innovation + Emerging Practice, Practice + Collaboration

ArchLIGHT Summit

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ArchLIGHT Summit

12:00pm CDT

Dave Pfund

1:00pm CDT

Jennifer Brons

Mariana Figueiro

2:00pm CDT

John Delfino

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