Lighten Up! In the Rhythm of Day and Night

The biological clocks of living organisms and the impact of daylight are truly remarkable. When and how do we actually sleep and when do we need to be active? From bats to plants, insects to human beings – living creatures have internalized a 24-hour cycle, optimally adapting their behaviour and bodily functions as day alternates with night and the length of the day changes with the seasons.

In “Lighten Up!”, well-known designers, artists and architects explore the link between living organisms and the circadian (circa diem = approximately one day) rhythm.

The show celebrates the power and beauty of daylight, introduces us to the mysteries of biological clocks and probes the secrets of sleep and dreams. At the same time, “Lighten Up!” reminds us not only of the passage of the sun across the sky, but also that natural light is necessary to our health. A healthy life requires the nights to be dark, too, but they are becoming ever brighter because of artificial light. This has negative implications for all living beings. So let’s regain the night and lighten up the day!

An exhibition by EPFL Pavilions Lausanne with additions by the Gewerbemuseum Winterthur.