South Downs: ‘Embrace the Darkness’
Skyglow has been increasing about 10% every year since 2011 (BBC, 2023), making it harder for people living in urban areas to experience truly dark skies. London has been recognised as one of the major cities in the UK to have the highest density of light pollution.
Research also indicates that a quarter of Gen-Z respondents (23%) are dealing with unmanageable stress, and almost all (98%) are dealing with symptoms of burnout from work (BBC, 2023), Many find it difficult to switch off after working hours and are seeking to achieve a better work-life balance (Deloitte, 2023). Being exposed to excessive artificial lighting in offices also has numerous consequences on health and wellbeing.
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Print Design
Product/Service Design
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Brandng
“Embrace the Darkness” is an event encouraging young professionals living in London to visit the South Downs National Park to experience the Perseid Meteor Showers in August, as a way of practicing mindfulness, whilst also learning how to preserve the night sky for generations to come.
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“Embrace the Darkness” is aimed at young professionals living in London, whether they have recently graduated or are working full-time, whom are finding switching off from work difficult.
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This event takes place at South Downs National Park, one of the few locations in the UK recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve. 2.2 million people live within 10km of the park, making it one of the most accessible places to dark starry skies in the world.
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In order for young professionals to fully disconnect from both work and constant exposure to artificial lighting, we designed concertina zines that accompany them during their experience. The tactility and handmade feel of these creates a physical connection with the user, encouraging them to engage with the zine whilst being present in the moment.
We’ll first send out physical invitations to workplaces across London that will help deliver these to young workers within their offices.
These invitations introduce the “Embrace the Darkness” event and where to find more information in regards to travelling down to the South Downs.
When interacting with the invitation, shadows casted by the cutout letters and shapes of the front cover create a glow reflected onto the card.
This small feature reflects the beauty of the starry night skies that the user is yet to experience and builds intrigue for the user to come visit.
Themed trains will also be seen across London, promoting the event and encouraging participation from both young professionals and passerbys to travel to the South Downs National Park to experience the meteor showers.