Phosphenism and Francis Lefebure: when light lingers in perception
The experience of light does not always end when the stimulus is gone. Some luminous sensations arise within the visual system itself.
By Aime Nava
First, what is a phosphene?
In vision science, a phosphene is a sensation of light with no matching light source in the visual field. Phosphenes induced by stimulating visual areas of the brain, for example, have been studied (Phosphene research). Not every bright spot after looking at a light is the same phenomenon.
Dr Francis Lefebure’s proposal
Francis Lefebure spread a practice called phosphenism, linked to exercises of light perception and mental activity. It belongs to a historical strand of exploring subjective experience. Its claims of mental improvement or health benefits should not be presented as clinically established effects.
Light and responsibility
Research on visual perception and circadian design raises valuable questions for architecture (CIE). But practices with intense light, flashes or direct sun carry risks: it is not safe to look straight at the Sun, and people with photosensitivity need particular care (NASA).
From LivenWe are interested in the link between light and conscious experience, but in designing a space we put visual comfort, the right light for each hour and safety first.
Sources
Neuroscience research on the perception of phosphenes. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
International Commission on Illumination (CIE): the right light at the right time. cie.co.at (opens in a new tab)
NASA: how to view the Sun safely. science.nasa.gov (opens in a new tab)