معرفی
Nicolas Houel is a researcher specializing in nocturnal urban atmospheres and light sobriety, affiliated with the CRENAU team within the AAU Laboratory (Aménagement, Architecture, Urbanisme). He works within a Joint Research Unit connecting CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, ENSA Nantes, ENSA Grenoble, and Centrale Nantes, with his doctoral work completed at École centrale de Nantes in 2020.
Houel's research focuses on the complex relationship between artificial lighting systems and urban environments, examining how lighting practices shape nighttime public spaces and citizen experiences. His work bridges architectural design, urban planning, and environmental sustainability, with particular attention to developing methods for requalifying public lighting systems through the collection of both qualitative and quantitative indicators of nighttime atmospheres.
His recent publications demonstrate a growing focus on sustainable nighttime atmospheres, examining the evolution of lighting practices in service of environmental and health concerns. Houel's research employs mixed-method approaches including citizen evaluations, sociological analysis of nighttime practices, and innovative techniques like virtual reality for visualizing geospatial lighting data, as evidenced by his contributions to the CORAULIS VR Platform.
Houel actively contributes to the International Ambiances network, participating in conferences like the International Congress on Ambiances and the International Light Symposium. His work connects technical lighting systems with cultural dimensions of urban night environments, exploring how lighting practices influence social behaviors, environmental sustainability, and urban identity after dark.
His research methodology emphasizes participatory approaches, as seen in studies involving public transport drivers in evaluating nocturnal urban ambiances, highlighting his commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives in urban lighting design and policy development.
