Lighting design today is as much about atmosphere, behavior, and adaptability as it is about illumination. Across disciplines—from interiors to urban planning—designers are integrating lighting early in the creative process to support spatial concepts, enhance mood, and enable flexibility. As part of a neighborhood-wide celebration of DUMBO’s official recognition as New York City’s newest Design District, the panel “Light Matters,” which we co-hosted with big_builds, explored how lighting can shape not just spaces, but the way we move through them. Panelists danielsundlin, paulinelavieluong and dotdashlighting discussed with moderator ben_dreith the behavioral impact of light—from how it guides micro-mobility in cities to how it transforms the mood of a room. A case in point: studies show that floor-level lighting in public parks reduces littering, as people are less likely to drop trash in well-lit areas where shadows make debris more visible. Indoors, designers are embracing concea...