Beyond the Glow: Embracing Darkness & Reconciling Nocturnality in More-than-human Cities

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Date

2024

Authors

Chuang, Phoebe

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

"Beyond the Glow" explores the pervasive issue of light pollution, particularly its impact on the environment and nocturnal migratory birds. It highlights how urban areas contribute significantly to light pollution, and emphasizes the cultural shift caused by excess artificial light at night, which disrupts our connection to natural darkness and its therapeutic benefits. By focusing on Washington Park in Portland, Oregon, the project showcases design strategies to mitigate light pollution, enhance nighttime experiences, and create habitats for nocturnal wildlife. The implementation of dark infrastructure, including a migration night trail and Mirror Stone installations, represents nocturnal bird migration and reflect natural lights for visitors. The project's ultimate goal is to reconnect people with natural darkness and improve urban environments for both humans and wildlife, demonstrating how design can address the root causes of light pollution, the lack of connection to natural darkness.

Description

43 pages

Keywords

urban rewilding, GIS, landscape architecture, dark sky, nighttime recreation

Citation