Going Dark 2025 | Abbadia Isola, Italy

The third Going Dark took place during 2—4 October 2025.

2025 was the year that the weather was perfect. This meant that sky conditions were excellent and alongside our astronomy partners, we were able to see the real difference that sensitive dark sky lighting makes to enable us to see the night sky. Thanks to all our partners and participants for being part of our Living Lab.

Participants’ Feedback

“Still processing the brilliant experience that was Going Dark, an experimental project to light the architecture of a Tuscan abbey while respecting the night sky and the environment. It was a Venn diagram of several of my favourite things: an international and multidisciplinary group of like-minded people, collaboration to create something meaningful, atmospheric lighting, architectural heritage, public space, starry skies, nature, walking, the textures and colours of Tuscany, aperitivo…“

— Kathryn Wright (UK)

“Last week I attended the Going Dark workshop and spent some days in the beautiful Abbadia Isola, Monteriggioni —province of Siena, Italy. We shared inspiring days with fellow lighting designers, suppliers, darksky advocates, and the local astronomy group. This workshop specifically considers lighting design for heritage spaces that also preserves darkness and the view of the night sky. Grateful for the meaningful discussions, shared insights, and the stunning setting.“

— Julieta Cignacco (Denmark)

“Another brilliant event in the heart of Italy Tuscany, in the beautiful village of Abbadia a Isola. Going Dark workshop discussed so many meaningful questions:
Do we really need all this light at night?
How can we use the right fixtures to protect the dark sky? What is “rolan,” and why should we consider it?
And many more conversations about the importance of seeing our starry sky again.
Meeting designers from around the world who share the same passion for light was truly special.
We talked, learned, walked a lot, played with light, and ended our days sitting under our magical sky.
It was a heartfelt experience one that reminded me why I love what I do.“

— Rima Abushamma (Jordan)

“It was truly amazing! The place, the program, the food, the workshops setup, the weather, the stargazing, the people, all worked very well for me. The candle lit dinner with the lights off was unforgettable, along with the sunset and the moonlit walks.“

— Aliz Sanduj (UK)

“There are moments in our professional lives when we step outside the familiar hum of emails, drawings and computer screens and remember why we fell in love with our craft in the first place. My time at the Going Dark workshop in the heart of Tuscany, nestled between the medieval castle town of Monteriggioni and the monastery village of Abbadia a Isola, was one of those rare, transformative experiences that reminded me what it truly means to work with light, landscape, and darkness.“

Read “Stars, chats and light play: Going Dark 2025”
— Julieta Cignacco (Denmark)

All Photos by @widespace_studio unless credited otherwise

Step away from the office and
spend time in a dark and heritage environment
to help us create design guidance for
best lighting practice for this application.

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