Ephemeral Auras: Mood Regulation Through Mediated Waiting Transition

Andrew Scheetz // Adviser: Sara McElroy

Ephemeral Auras: Mood Regulation Through Mediated Waiting Transition

Light has the potential to have a variety of effects on the spaces that it penetrates, whether it is natural or artificial. As one enters the space that the light is in, what effects do the light have on that individual? How is the individual drawn towards a certain space that grants them their own control in their own procession through an environment? In this particular case, I am focusing on “auras” of light — auras meaning glowing objects or a field of light surrounding a given object. One particular area that I am connecting these studies to are the traits of differentiating anxieties that are present within people prior to getting onto their flights at airports. While being at the airport is stressful enough, the waiting period prior to boarding a flight can be naturally anxiety-inducing on varying levels per individual. The goal of my thesis is to generate a lighting experience within the airport that individuals may go through to alleviate their own personal anxieties. I will be venturing into the realm of auras of lighting in all aspects, such as form, color, and intensity; furthermore, these features will then be correlated with how each of the personas may circulate and process through the experience in accordance with their own anxiety traits.