It seems appropriate that the process of putting together this special “Embracing Darkness” theme issue of LD+A coincided with my family’s trip to Hawaii. After all, ancient Polynesians relied on the clarity of the stars in the night sky to navigate the Pacific Ocean.
While visiting O’ahu, the brightness and bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu is greatly tempered by what I consider to be much of the island’s heart—the North Shore. With a coastline stretching from Ka’ena Point in the west to Kahuku in the east—and including some of the best beaches and surf breaks on the planet—both natives and locals are distinctly aware of the importance of the land and sea in daily life. Moving through Waialua and Hale’iwa, stickers and t-shirts abound with the slogan “Keep the Country Country,” a rallying cry from the Defend O’ahu Coalition to protect communities from the effects of large-scale development. While O’ahu has its share of light-pollution battles ahead, native Hawaiians continue to stress the interconnection of their culture, environment, and spirituality.
The movement to increase light pollution education and protect the night skies has been ongoing for decades and continues to grow. While LD+A often publishes unique project-related articles, this month, we hand over the reins to authors who are directly involved with and/or affected by dark-sky preservation. We hope these stories of ecology, conservation, human health, and some potential solutions resonate with both lighting manufacturers and designers.
The Hawaiian phrase “O na hōkū no na kiu o ka lani” (“The stars are the spies of heaven”) paints a picture of a world where the stars serve as constant observers of the activities taking place on Earth. Wouldn’t it be nice, regardless of where we’re currently residing, if we could pause, look up at the night sky, and have the ability to observe what the heavens truly have to offer? It’s a challenge worth embracing.
Craig Causer
Editor-in-Chief
craig.causer@sagepub.com
Editor I
Michele Zimmerman
Creative Manager, Commercial Publishing
Samuel Fontanez
Senior Account Specialist II
Leslie Prestia
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LD+A is a magazine for professionals involved in the art, science, study, manufacture, teaching, and implementation of lighting. LD+A is designed to enhance and improve the practice of lighting. Every issue of LD+A includes feature articles on design projects, technical articles on the science of illumination, new product developments, industry trends, news of the Illuminating Engineering Society, and vital information about the illuminating profession. Statements and opinions expressed in articles and editorials in LD+A are the expressions of contributors and do not necessarily represent the policies or opinions of the Illuminating Engineering Society. Advertisements appearing in this publication are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.
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