“Human centric lighting,” the Treviso-based company at the Iuav University of Venice: a new market is emerging for offices, hospitals, and schools. Soon, students from the degree program will join the company. The CEO of Glip, Alessandro Piovesan: “Light is essential for the human circadian rhythm; we apply the same protocol in Rome metro stations.”
Light is the part of electromagnetic radiation that is perceived by our eyes. During the day, the photoreceptors that allow us to see colours are the cones, while at night, the rods are activated, and we only see shades of grey. The retina also contains photosensitive cells to blue light, which suppress the secretion of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. This is how the right light helps regulate the circadian rhythm and, therefore, the sleep-wake cycle. Not only that, but science has shown that light affects the cognitive functions of each individual. This means that light can help us be more energetic or calmer, more alert or more relaxed, depending on the needs.
“Human Centric Lighting (HCL) has been talked about for some time, referring to how to optimize the biological and emotional impact of light on human beings through lighting projects that put people’s well-being at the centre,” explains Alessandro Piovesan, CEO of Glip, a company specialized in tailor-made lighting solutions from the Treviso area. “The goal is to support the circadian rhythm and psychological health through a combination of natural and artificial light sources. It’s not easy: people have different working hours, rhythms, and needs, and depending on the task at hand, they may require different lighting configurations. We are currently working on a pilot project for the LED lighting of the Rome metro, aiming to give people the sensation of light continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.”
The company is also collaborating with the Iuav University of Venice. Rohan Sottana, who recently joined the ownership of Glip, has indeed attended some lessons within the Interior Design Laboratory of the Bachelor’s degree program in Product Design, Visual Communication, and Interior Design, taught by Professor Silvia Codato. The goal is to create a bridge between the university and businesses, allowing students to apply the theoretical concepts of HCL through concrete projects. Specifically, third-year students will be involved, and during the first semester of 2025-26, they will be engaged in mandatory internships.
“The Iuav University of Venice has always aimed to collaborate with companies, with the goal of providing students with employment spaces and opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge,” explains Silvia Codato. “In this context, the idea of maintaining and developing the relationship with Glip helps to concretely explain the principles of lighting design and study the latest technologies, which is essential for the students who, in the future, will be involved in product design and lighting for spaces.”
“Lighting in the design of an environment plays a decisive role in defining the overall atmosphere,” concludes Sottana. “Light, in fact, is capable of influencing the sensations and mood of those who experience the space. This is why a new market is emerging. Initially, Human Centric Lighting will grow in the office, healthcare, and education sectors. Later, the most relevant sectors will be those related to training and residential spaces. This is why we place the relationship between light and humans at the centre of Glip’s projects.”
