The far-out art/science/tech site We-Make-Money-Not-Art has impressed us again with their ability to unearth cool projects based on human physiology. This post covers an art exhibit called the Melatonin Room, by Swiss architects Jean-Gilles Decosterd and Philippe Rahm:
The melatonin regulates levels of alertness in the human body. A high level induces sleepiness, a low level greater alertness. Two climates alternate in the Melatonin Room. The first is defined by the emission of a bright green electromagnetic radiation at 509 nm, at an intensity of 2000 lux, which eliminates the production of melatonin, the space becomes thus a physically motivating place. The second climate is a dissemination of ultraviolet rays, bathing the visitor in soft blue light which stimulate the production of melatonin. This “physiological architecture” explores the ways environments can change consciousness.
Why do so many of these exhibits appear in Europe? We suppose it’s because they make more art, and less money. Anyway, this is one case of artists getting a little ahead of the science — we know that light can change pineal secretion of melatonin, sure, but that’s a long way off from saying certain light frequencies make you more alert. All doctors can really trust is that melatonin is effective for jet-lag.
At Medgadget, the best bet for alertness-on-demand remains Dunkin’ Donuts coffee — though we suppose sipping it in a green melatonin room would be stimulating, as well.
More hormone-activating architecture from WMMNA…