The MFA Lighting Design program at Parsons The New School for Design has spent the last two years exploring lighting issues in a large part of the world where the electric lighting we know doesn’t exist–the developing word. In fact, 1.6 billion people in the world, more than 25%, live in energy poverty, and thus in “lighting poverty.” With no access to electricity, they light their homes with kerosene lanterns or wood fires, filling their homes with dangerous smoke that is unhealthy and unsafe. The use of kerosene in particular is also inefficient, expensive, and harmful to the environment.

The Lighting The Developing World Symposium, scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2011, is intended to raise awareness of the need for, and create a dialog about lighting in the developing world. In addition to presenting an overview of conditions in the developing world, a number of presenters will offer different perspectives about bringing lighting to various locations. Some of the lighting technologies that are currently being deployed or are intended for the developing world will be displayed, along with an exhibit of student work from a Parsons MFA Lighting Design seminar class held the past two years focusing on this topic. The symposium will culminate in a session where participants can lend their voices to this initiative. The day will conclude with a reception to recognize the supporters of Lighting The Developing World, including attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.

Tishman Auditorium at The New School
2 W. 13th Street New York City
Friday June 10, 2011 8AM – 5PM
Reception following 6PM – 8PM

Registration for the symposium is free; to register, click here.

Craig DiLouie

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