Henrik Clausen is a well-known figure in the lighting industry. He began his career as an electrician and electrical engineer in the 1980s and has since devoted more than 35 years to developing lighting solutions for people and spaces. After twelve years at Louis Poulsen and over 25 years at Fagerhult, he now leads the Fagerhult Lighting Academy – a global platform that gathers and shares knowledge about light.
Light that influences emotions and behavior
At Elmässan, Henrik will lecture on AI-driven emotional & behavioural lighting, looking into the future and exploring how AI can change the way we experience light.
Henrik’s interest in AI began in 2019 when he took the course The Elements of AI at the University of Helsinki. Since then, he has explored how the technology can be combined with lighting design. “I’m confident that AI can become an important piece of the puzzle for future lighting and control systems, provided it is used wisely and under human guidance,” he adds.
Human-centric lighting and health
Henrik has long been involved in the development of human-centric lighting (HCL) – lighting that adapts to human biological needs. When researchers discovered the “third receptor” in the eye and how light regulates our sleep cycles, it became clear how strongly light affects health and well-being. This led to the concept of HCL, Human Centric Lighting.
Practical applications
Henrik sees the greatest potential for AI-driven lighting in environments such as offices, schools, and hospitals. “These are places where people spend many hours a day, and where lighting affects both concentration and comfort. I believe we will see individual lighting profiles in the future, where each person receives the right amount of light at the right time.”
When asked what property owners and other stakeholders should consider when moving toward AI-driven systems, his advice is clear: “Work with reputable suppliers, dare to dream – but always ask for facts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
The future of light
Looking ahead, Henrik sees both challenges and opportunities. “We need to create lighting that feels fantastic to be in, meets standard requirements (like EN12464), and is energy efficient. This will require new collaborations, perhaps with partners we don’t even know today. But I’m convinced that together, we can make it happen.”
Want to learn more?
Don’t miss Henrik Clausen’s lecture “AI Driven Emotional & Behavioural Lighting” at Elmässan in Stockholm on October 15.
