Interview with artist, Alona Rodeh.
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This Episode:
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.
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Host:
Guests:
Alona Rodeh
Alona Rodeh is a Berlin-based visual artist, scenographer, and urban/spatial practitioner working in the intersection of virtual and physical space. Her research-driven practices explore material cultures and audiovisual expressions of feelings of safety. She creates large immersive environments incorporating light and sound, directs short films, publishes artist books, practices night walks, and more. [Headshot courtesy of Carolina Frank].
Article List:
- As a lamp you wear a hat, Stefan Oberwalleney, RBB24.
Why It’s So Bright At Night Recap:
Berlin Artist Creates Innovative Light Pollution Solution with “Nightcaps” Street Art Project
Berlin-based visual artist Alona Rodeh has developed a groundbreaking approach to addressing light pollution through her acclaimed “Nightcaps” project. This innovative public art installation combines environmental advocacy with community engagement by transforming ordinary street lamps into sculptural artworks.
What Are Nightcaps? Creative Solutions for Light Pollution
The Nightcaps project features 3D-printed “hats” and “caps” designed to fit over unshielded spherical street lamps. These artistic covers, made from recycled plastic and produced locally in Berlin, serve multiple purposes:
- Reduce light pollution by directing light downward instead of scattering it skyward
- Create community placemaking through distinctive, personality-filled street art
- Demonstrate sustainable alternatives to expensive lamp replacement programs
- Raise awareness about artificial light at night (ALAN) environmental impacts
Community-Driven Art: From Workshops to Installations
Rodeh’s approach emphasizes community participation through hands-on workshops with local residents, including:
- School children designing their own lamp covers
- Family workshops incorporating cultural elements like headscarves
- Collaboration with wildlife conservation groups (NABU Berlin) for bat-themed designs
The project has expanded from 10 initial installations to 15 sculptures throughout the Brunnenvierteljat neighborhood, sponsored by Degewo, one of Berlin’s largest housing companies.
Environmental Impact: Art Meets Conservation
Each Nightcaps sculpture addresses specific dark sky preservation concerns:
- Bat conservation: Special designs reduce harmful light exposure for light-sensitive bat populations
- Wildlife protection: Directional lighting minimizes disruption to nocturnal ecosystems
- Energy efficiency: Better light distribution reduces waste without compromising safety
- Sustainable materials: 100% recycled plastic construction supports circular economy principles
International Expansion: From Berlin to Global Applications
The success of Berlin’s Nightcaps has sparked international interest:
- Israeli kibbutzim pilot project: Planned installations in Gaza envelope communities
- Festival exhibitions: Upcoming displays in Kassel and Bad Hamburg
- Scalable solutions: Future applications for sports stadiums and large-scale lighting
Night Walks: Experiential Dark Sky Advocacy
Beyond static installations, Rodeh leads guided night walks through Berlin’s darker spaces, offering:
- Sensory experiences of natural darkness in urban environments
- Educational components about light pollution impacts
- Feminist practice: Group safety enabling women’s nighttime exploration
- Free community access to environmental education
