In our 2025 lighting design report we highlight wellbeing as a highly influential area for light and lighting design development. In this piece we go further into the topic:
As lighting designers we stay attuned to the unseen — because there’s always more than meets the eye.
We spoke with Ulysse Dormoy, CEO at Atrium, who is also a passionate infrared light advocate and enthusiast. In our discussion, we explore the intersections between light, innovation, and society. Dormoy shares insights on red light and its profound effects on human health, how innovation in lighting could improve well-being, and the societal implications of integrating these advancements into everyday life.
Light: Red Light and Human Physiology
Red light, including near-infrared wavelengths, penetrates deeply into the body, interacting directly mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. This interaction enhances ATP production, which is crucial for cellular energy.
Whilst visible red light (600-700nm) penetrates the skin’s surface and is credited for promoting collagen production, and reducing wrinkles and wounds, non-visible near-infrared light (700-1100nm) has the potential to go much further.
Research from UCL demonstrates that exposure to red light (around 670 nm) can lower blood glucose levels by stimulating mitochondria to utilise glucose more effectively. As a result, red light therapy shows promise for managing diabetes and improving metabolic health. Despite these benefits, our indoor environments primarily rely on visible light, particularly LED lighting, which lacks the long wavelengths needed for optimal cellular function. To some extent the modern lifestyle often deprives us of the natural light spectrum essential for maintaining health.
Innovation: Lighting Technology and Human Sustainability
Dormoy advocates for innovations that incorporate red and infrared light into everyday indoor lighting. Unlike conventional LEDs that focus on visible light, these new systems integrate multiple wavelengths, including blue light for circadian rhythm regulation and infrared for mitochondrial support. One successful prototype features a four-channel system addressing both visual and physiological needs. Such innovations cater to post-COVID workspace demands, where health and productivity are increasingly prioritised. Incorporating healthier lighting solutions into offices and public spaces could reduce absenteeism and enhance well-being, offering a competitive edge in employee retention. The challenge, however, lies not in technology but in legislation and culture and how we prioritise human sustainability alongside environmental considerations.
Image: The powerful effects on infrared emitting from plants behind a dark curtain.
Society: Red Light for an Ageing Population
With global populations ageing, maintaining cellular health is increasingly vital. Dormoy explains that mitochondrial function often declines with age, contributing to chronic conditions like Parkinson’s and diabetes. Research from Peru suggests that infrared therapy can reduce ICU stays by 30%, highlighting its preventative potential. By integrating red light therapy into healthcare and wellness routines, we could support healthier ageing and reduce healthcare system burdens. Dormoy suggests that shifting the focus from reactive healthcare to preventative lighting environments could help narrow the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, particularly as more people work into later life. A future where red light therapy is standard in both public and private settings could foster longer, healthier lives.
References
- Zimmerman, S., & Fosbury, B. (2023). Melatonin and the Optics of the Human Body. Journal of Light and Health.
- Geoffrey, G. (2024). Photobiomodulation and Glucose Regulation. UCL Health Journal.
- IMF (2025). World Economic Outlook: The Ageing Population and Public Health.
- Study on Infrared Therapy in Intensive Care Units. (2024). Journal of Medical Innovation.
