Episode Summary

Discover how one artist is tackling light pollution through whimsical street art. Berlin visual artist Alona Rodeh joins the show to discuss her viral "Nightcaps" project - 3D-printed "hats" that transform unshielded street lamps into community art while reducing light pollution.

Key Topics Covered

• The Nightcaps Project: 15 sculptural lamp covers installed throughout Berlin's Brunnenvierteljat neighborhood
• Community engagement: Workshops with local families and children incorporating cultural designs
• Environmental impact: Practical solutions for reducing artificial light at night (ALAN)
• Placemaking through art: How creative interventions build neighborhood identity
• Night walks: Guided darkness experiences as feminist environmental practice
• Future expansion: Plans for Israeli kibbutzim and sports stadium applications

Notable Quotes

"Instead of throwing away these lanterns and putting in new ones... thinking of adapting and of raising awareness"

"It does what is called in public art placemaking - it brings things out of their anonymity"

Guest Info

Alona Rodeh specializes in light-based installations at the intersection of visual, virtual, and physical space. Her work includes nocturnal walks, immersive environments, and community-driven environmental art.

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About Light Pollution News:

The path to sustainable starry night solutions begin with being a more informed you.

Light Pollution, once thought to be solely detrimental to astronomers, has proven to be an impactful issue across many disciplines of society including ecology, crime, technology, health, and much more!

But not all is lost! There are simple solutions that provide for big impacts. Each month, Bill McGeeney, is joined by upwards of three guests to help you grow your awareness and understanding of both the challenges and the road to recovering our disappearing nighttime ecosystem.