The human mind is a beautiful and complex thing, sometimes full of surprises. Even though we are modern and civilised people, with office works and take away coffee, our brains might not have fully adapted to this reality. Our inherited preferences and innate reactions shows us that this era of humanity is a relatively small time-span in our biological history. To a large extent, aesthetics is a result of nurture, not nature. There are memories, learned behaviours and cultural issues that help us form visual preferences. A group of scientists, at the Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute at the Johns Hopkins University has studied how pure shape is perceived, to see how the brain reacts.
Beauty and the Brain
At an art exhibit in Washington in 2010, called the Beauty & the Brain Revealed, the concept of beauty was explored thanks to science. The exhibit was a collaboration Johns Hopkins University and the Walters Art Museum. Gallery visitors would wear 3-D glasses to explore digitally morphed blob versions of sculpture-sets, to see how 3-D shape characteristics relate to aesthetic preferences.
For each image set, the audience noted their “most preferred” and “least preferred” shape on a ballot. The neuroscientists then reviewed the museum-goers’ responses in combination with MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans taken on lab study participants, looking at the very same images.
The researchers had three hypotheses. First, that the shapes we most prefer are more visually stimulating, meaning that they spark intense brain activity. At the same time, it could be that our favourite shapes are peaceful and calm brain activity. Or, they thought, we might settle for shapes that spur a pattern of alternating strong and weak activity. They found it to be almost universally true in data, and also in audiences, that the vast majority have a specific set of preferences.
Biological blobs
“Shallow convex surface curvature is characteristic of living organisms, because it is naturally produced by the fluid pressure of healthy tissue (e.g. muscle) against outer membranes (e.g. skin).”
Researchers believe that the brain may have evolved to process information about smoothly rounded shapes in order to guide survival behaviours like eating, mating and predator evasion. In contrast, the brain devotes less processing to high curvature, jagged forms, which tend to be inorganic (e.g. rocks), hence less important.
Yet another study, this one carried out at the University of Toronto at Scarborough studied the influence of architecture on the human brain. On average, the urban human spend about 90% of her time indoors. A common perception is that the physical features of the places we live and work in influence how we feel and act. The number of home interior magazines and blogs would not survive otherwise.
However, there is surprisingly little research on how said architectural forms impacts behaviour, much less on how it influences brain function. This research group also conducted a MRI study to examine how variation in contour impacts aesthetic judgments.
“Roundness is an universal pleasure”
The Toronto study found that participants were more likely to perceive spaces and objects as beautiful if they were curvilinear than rectilinear. Furthermore, the combination of the behavioural and neural evidence underscores the role of emotion in human preference for curvilinear objects, within architecture and design. In other words – roundness is an universal pleasure for humans.
Given the knowledge of how we are influenced of curvilinear forms, take a look at your surroundings and let the curves in. Most likely, your brain will thank you.
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Beyond what we see – exploring the biological role of light
For most of human history, people lived almost entirely under natural daylight. The rhythms of sunrise and sunset shaped sleeping patterns, activity levels and the way the body responded to the environment. Today, modern life looks very different. Humans now spend 90% of their time indoors, surrounded by artificial light and increasingly separated from the full spectrum of daylight under which humans evolved. In conversations around wellbeing and the health of the human body, some researchers are beginning to ask whether light may influence the body in ways that extend beyond vision alone. One of those researchers is neuroscientist Professor Glen Jeffery at UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology, whose research explores the relationship between light, mitochondria, ageing and visual function, including the potential biological role of longer wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum. This interview explores his research, insights, and the growing conversation about how modern indoor environments may be changing humanity’s relationship with light - not just visually, but biologically as well. The Evolution of Humans Under Daylight At the centre of Glen’s thinking is a relatively simple idea: the human body evolved under the full spectrum of sunlight over millions of years. “So many parts of your body and systems in your body were set over exposure to sunlight over millions of years,” he explains. “Your body has lost contact with your evolutionary history.” He explains that this evolutionary perspective is central to understanding why light may matter biologically. Human physiology developed in outdoor environments where daylight exposure was continuous, dynamic and spectrally rich. Modern indoor life, by comparison, represents a dramatic environmental shift. This does not mean modern lighting is inherently harmful, but rather society may only now be beginning to understand how profoundly modern environments have changed the way humans experience light. Beyond the Visible Spectrum When it comes to designing light, conversations often focus on what people can see: brightness, colour temperature, contrast, glare and visual comfort. Glen’s research, however, explores the possibility that wavelengths outside visible vision may also influence the body. “You only see a minute amount of the spectrum of sunlight, between roughly 400 nanometres (nm) to 700nm,” he explains. Visible light occupies only a relatively narrow band within the wider electromagnetic spectrum. Beyond it sit ultraviolet wavelengths on one side and infrared wavelengths on the other - both largely invisible to the human eye. Much of his recent work has focused on longer infrared wavelengths and their potential relationship with mitochondria - the structures within cells responsible for energy production. He argues that much of the sunlight exists beyond the visible spectrum that humans experience with the naked eye. This is where the conversation begins to move beyond traditional lighting discussions and into broader biological territory. Mitochondria, Energy and Ageing A significant portion of his recent work has explored how longer wavelengths of light - particularly around 670nm and near-infrared ranges - may influence mitochondrial performance and age-related decline in both animals and humans. A term many people may be unfamiliar with, but one that plays a fundamental role in the human body, is mitochondria. Often described as the body’s energy systems, mitochondria are essential to almost every biological process. “Everything you’re doing is relying on mitochondria,” Glen says. “Whether that’s using your muscles to kick your legs out of bed, or reach out for that cup of coffee.” In simple terms, mitochondria produce ATP, the molecule that powers cellular activity. His research explores how longer-wavelength light beyond 700nm may influence the efficiency of this process. “Long wavelength light lubricates each point where there’s a slight bit of resistance,” he explains, describing how photons may help support electron transfer within cellular energy pathways. While much of the science remains under investigation, Glen believes mitochondria may sit at the centre of broader questions around ageing, metabolism and human health. “The theory that sticks to the wall hardest is called the mitochondrial theory of ageing,” he says - the idea that ageing is closely linked to the gradual decline of mitochondria over time. As mitochondria become less efficient, the body’s ability to produce energy and maintain healthy function may also deteriorate. It is, however, important not to overstate conclusions. He emphasises that this is an evolving field with many unanswered questions, and believes the relationship between light, biology and human health deserves greater attention than it currently receives. Modern Indoor Life Whilst humans evolved under natural daylight, modern life is very different. People now spend much more time indoors than previous generations, fundamentally changing daily exposure to natural light. He points not only to artificial lighting, but to indoor lifestyles more broadly. Modern life increasingly takes place inside controlled environments, often with limited exposure to the full spectrum of daylight under which humans historically evolved. “We are making ourselves vulnerable because we’re living inside,” he says, “and we’re exacerbating that vulnerability with LED lighting.” Importantly, Glen does not separate modern indoor living from lighting technology itself. Instead, he sees them as interconnected parts of a much wider environmental shift. Beyond Circadian Lighting? Over the past decade, the lighting industry has increasingly explored circadian rhythms and human-centric lighting - particularly the role of light timing and blue wavelengths in regulating sleep and alertness. Glen does not see his research as contradicting that work, but rather broadening the conversation. In his opinion, it would be a mistake to think that light only does one thing. While circadian research largely focuses on visible wavelengths associated with the body clock, Glen’s work looks further into the infrared end of the spectrum and its potential biological effects. “These are two things that run hand in hand,” he explains. For him, the growing interest in circadian lighting reflects a wider shift towards understanding that light may influence people in multiple ways beyond visibility alone. A Conversation Still Emerging Glen believes researchers may now be approaching an important moment - not because all the answers exist, but because the questions themselves are beginning to change. For decades, conversations around light have understandably focused on visibility and visual performance. Increasingly, however, researchers are exploring whether light may also influence the body in broader biological ways that remain only partially understood. Exactly where this research may lead remains uncertain. But discussions around daylight, wavelength, and human biology are beginning to open new conversations about the relationship between people, light, and the environments they spend most of their lives in. In Part 2, we explore what these emerging ideas could potentially mean for lighting design, architecture and the future of healthy indoor environments.
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Celebrating Retail Design: Inside Fagerhult's Health & Beauty Retail Safari
In retail, there is still no substitute for experiencing stores in person. That idea sits at the heart of Fagerhult's Retail Safari programme. Hosted by retail consultant Phil D'Souza, the initiative brings together retailers, designers and industry specialists to explore standout store environments, share perspectives and celebrate the creativity shaping the sector. With more than 30 years of experience spanning visual merchandising, store design, retail format development and customer experience, Phil has spent much of his career exploring how physical environments influence customer behaviour, brand perception and commercial success. Today, through his consultancy work and collaboration with Fagerhult, he helps retailers create spaces that engage, inspire and perform, making him an ideal guide for these immersive retail explorations. The recent Health & Beauty Retail Safari saw participants spend an afternoon visiting 12 stores across London's West End. Rather than critiquing brands against a checklist, the safari created space for observation, discussion and inspiration, examining how retailers use layout, materials, merchandising and lighting to shape customer experiences. Phil Different Brands, Different Answers Health and beauty proved a particularly interesting sector to explore because of the diversity of brands operating within it. "It's a really dynamic sector," says Phil. "You've got legacy brands alongside direct-to-consumer startups that have successfully transitioned into physical retail. That creates a really diverse environment." For the retailers and designers attending, that diversity was evident throughout the safari. Across the stores, participants encountered very different approaches to customer experience, despite many brands ultimately selling similar categories of products. By focusing on a single sector, the group could compare how brands interpreted space, atmosphere and product presentation in distinct ways. "You're able to look at what could ostensibly be a similar product type being presented through very different combinations of design, layout, materials and architecture," says Phil. "Ultimately, that respects the brand and creates a more immersive experience for the consumer." The Power of Product Presentation One of the standout examples came from Molton Brown's Regent Street flagship. The store uses ambient lighting to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with lighting also integrated directly into the shelving displays. "The thing about Molton Brown is that most bottles are clear, so customers often recognise and select products by colour," explains Phil. "What they've done by adding lighting into the shelving is almost illuminate the product from within." Unlike many brands where colour sits on the packaging, Molton Brown's clear bottles showcase the product itself. The distinctive colours of the shower gels, hand washes and bath products become a visual shorthand for different fragrances and collections, helping customers quickly spot familiar favourites or explore new options. The effect transforms the presentation of the products, amplifying the intensity of colour and helping customers navigate the range intuitively. "It almost creates this ethereal glow," he says. "They've not only lit the space, they've exploited the intensity of the colour of the product itself." For participants, it demonstrated how lighting can become part of the product experience rather than simply illuminating it. Creating Atmosphere Through Design Another memorable stop was Penhaligon's on Regent Street. For Phil, the store illustrated how lighting works most effectively when considered alongside every other element of the environment. "Penhaligon's felt like walking into someone's wonderful home," he says. Artwork, warm timber finishes, brass detailing, rich colours and discreet lighting combined to create a calm and highly immersive experience. "You suddenly realise that when you add all these things together and light them correctly, you feel very calm and very immersed in the environment," says Phil. "That's the power of good retail design underpinned by fantastic lighting solutions." Rather than drawing attention to individual features, the design worked as a cohesive whole to reinforce the brand's identity. One Brand, Two Very Different Stores One of the most interesting discussions emerged from comparing two stores operated by the same retailer. Participants visited two Aesop locations situated only a short distance apart: one on Regent Street and another on Beak Street. Despite sharing the same brand, the stores felt entirely different. The Regent Street location reflected the scale and character of its flagship surroundings, while the Beak Street store adopted a much simpler aesthetic more suited to its local context. "What was really interesting was that the store design on Beak Street reflected Beak Street, and the store design on Regent Street reflected Regent Street," says Phil. This approach extended across the brand's wider portfolio. "If you go to Kensington it's completely different again. If you go to Islington it's different again." For participants, it highlighted an increasingly sophisticated approach to retail design, where consistency comes from brand values and customer experience rather than identical store formats. "They're thinking about who's visiting the store," says Phil. "It doesn't really matter that every store isn't exactly the same. They reflect the consumer who's shopping in that location." Looking Beyond the Store Interior While much of the discussion focused on interiors, Phil encouraged participants to consider the customer experience before entering the store. "Standing outside a store is as important as being inside it," he says. Storefronts, windows and exterior lighting all play a role in shaping expectations and attracting attention within a competitive retail environment. "It's what you spot when you're walking past," he explains. "The better the environment is, the more likely you are as a consumer to consider that space." For retailers and designers alike, it served as a reminder that customer experience begins long before a purchase decision is made. Celebrating Great Retail A consistent theme throughout the safari was the desire to celebrate great retail design rather than critique it. That sense of celebration extended into the stores themselves. Ahead of the safari, the Fagerhult team spoke with the retailers they planned to visit. Phil says the response was overwhelmingly positive. “Pretty much every store said, ‘This is fantastic. Thank you so much. Yes, please come in,’’ he recalls. For him, that reaction reflected something important about physical retail: when a store has been carefully designed and invested in, teams are often proud to share it. Their enthusiasm adds another layer to the experience, reinforcing the relationship between brand, environment and people. Across the twelve stores, participants encountered a variety of approaches to lighting, layout, product presentation and customer engagement. While no two environments were the same, each demonstrated how considered design can shape the way customers experience a brand. "When you see some really good retail design, it creates fantastic ideation and fantastic creativity," adds Phil. Explore how Fagerhult can support your next retail project — from store openings to refurbishments — by getting in touch with our team. Coming soon: In a forthcoming profile feature, Phil D'Souza shares insights from more than 30 years in retail, exploring how store design, visual merchandising, customer experience and lighting have evolved, and what today's retailers can learn from creating environments that engage, inspire and perform.
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Melanopic lux: lighting for education influenced by human biology
Light is essential in our daily lives, influencing our ability to see, overall well-being and performance. In educational environments, lighting quality can significantly impact students' focus, mood, and energy levels. So, how do we know what is the right amount and quality of light for this setting? Traditionally, light has been measured in lux, a unit of measurement for the intensity of light. It's used to measure how much light falls on a surface or the amount of light in a given space. One lux is the amount of light that falls on a surface that is one square meter in area when one lumen of light is spread out evenly. Recent advancements in research have unveiled the importance of melanopic lux, which goes beyond mere visibility. This measures how effectively light stimulates specific eye cells that regulate crucial non-visual functions such as sleep and alertness. In classrooms and lecture theatres, the melanopic ratio has become vital in lighting design, enabling educators to create spaces that support visual tasks and align with students' biological rhythms. In this article, we explore how lighting solutions can align with our biology, and how this helps to create optimum conditions for educational environments. The science of vision and light The human eye is a remarkable organ designed for high-resolution colour vision within a small area (approximately 2 degrees of the visual field) while relying on peripheral vision for motion detection. This dual-function system, shaped by evolution for survival, continues to influence how we perceive and interact with our surroundings. Our eyes are particularly susceptible to green and yellow light, reflecting our evolutionary adaptation to naturally lit environments. In contrast, blue light, which is chief in modern LED lighting, requires higher intensity to be perceived at the same level. Effective lighting design carefully considers brightness, timing, and distribution to support visual clarity and biological functions like mood and alertness. For example, exposure to bright light in the morning helps regulate circadian rhythms, boosting alertness and mitigating the effects of seasonal darkness. This is particularly important in educational environments, such as schools and universities, where lighting impacts mood, focus, and overall performance. Our Organic Response system provides an innovative solution tailored for these spaces. This smart lighting technology automatically optimises light levels, featuring daylight-responsive sensors and advanced occupancy detection, maintaining a balance between natural and artificial light. Doing so supports visual comfort and reduces energy consumption, making it an ideal choice for creating dynamic, efficient, and student-friendly learning environments. To further support students, well-lit spaces with minimal glare are essential for reducing eye strain and maintaining focus during extended study sessions. Adjusting light intensity and colour temperature for different tasks—such as reading, group discussions, or creative activities—enhances light's visual and non-visual effects. By integrating thoughtful lighting strategies like those offered by Organic Response, educational environments can promote healthier, more productive, and engaging learning experiences. Integrative lighting: Supporting health and well-being. Integrative lighting (also referred to as human-centred lighting) combines visual and non-visual benefits (such as emotional effects) to support biological rhythms and psychological well-being. This approach goes beyond traditional lighting solutions by considering how light impacts circadian rhythms and hormonal balance. Light exposure in the morning is critical for suppressing melatonin (the sleep hormone) and increasing cortisol (the alertness hormone). Proper timing helps align students' natural rhythms with school schedules, which often require a lot of focus. Consistent exposure to bright, cool light early in the day can enhance energy levels and cognitive performance. The melanopic ratio compares the spectral composition of a light source with daylight. Using this information, you can determine its melanopic lighting intensity. This enables the design of lighting setups that precisely meet both visual and biological lighting needs. Lighting recommendations for educational spaces Each learning environment has unique lighting needs. Libraries benefit from direct lighting on the floor, paired with ambient lighting on walls and ceilings. Vertical shelf lighting (200-300 lx) makes it easier to browse titles. Lecture halls, on the other hand, require glare-free, comfortable lighting with flexible control, ideally with pre-programmed scenarios. In auditoriums and classrooms, strong vertical lighting is crucial for clear visual communication, especially over greater distances, enhancing facial expressions and engagement. General lighting recommendations apply to all educational spaces. Our solutions meet industry standards, ensuring reading and writing areas maintain 500 lx for effective visual tasks. Using daylight-responsive sensors for luminaire rows can reduce energy consumption while maximising natural light. The number and arrangement of luminaires should be adjusted based on the room's size and function to ensure consistent illumination. The role of dynamic lighting A Double Dynamic lighting system can be a game-changer in educational environments. It allows for intensity and colour temperature adjustments to match the specific needs of activities, from quiet reading sessions to collaborative group work. Fagerhult's distinct approach to lighting means that our design is human-centric; we integrate scientific insight into light and human psychology, creating environments that support academic performance and well-being. Our focus on energy efficiency also means our advanced control systems optimise light usage while minimising energy consumption, contributing to a building’s sustainability goals. The customisable setting and flexible solutions ensure that educational environments can create tailored lighting profiles for different times of the day or specific learning activities. Long-term benefits of melanopic lighting Melanopic lighting, designed to mimic the natural light spectrum, helps regulate the circadian rhythm, which is essential for maintaining focus, energy, and emotional balance. In classrooms and study areas, proper lighting can reduce eye strain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance mood, which are critical for students' mental health and academic performance. By incorporating lighting that aligns with our biological needs, schools and universities can foster healthier, more productive learning environments,. This is particularly important during the winter months when daylight is limited. Whether through advanced tuneable white light systems, designs that maximise daylight, or energy-efficient solutions, we are dedicated to leading the way in lighting innovation for educational environments, delivering brighter futures—one classroom at a time.
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