Lumentogether

Lumentogether is a global platform and community focused on collaborative lighting solutions that aim to improve safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. The initiative connects designers, engineers, researchers, educators, and community organizations to co-design, test, and deploy lighting projects that meet local needs. Core activities include hosting an online repository of open-source lighting designs, regional workshops, and small grants to support community-led projects.

History: Lumentogether began in 2015 as a collaborative effort among universities, non-profit organizations, and industry partners to democratize access to lighting technology. It evolved into a multi-institutional network with regional chapters and an annual conference that showcases case studies and research.

Operations: The platform emphasizes co-design methodologies, user-centered testing, and open data. Projects span energy-efficient street lighting, trail and wayfinding illumination for accessibility, and educational programs about light and energy literacy. Members contribute designs under permissive licenses, and projects undergo peer review before broader dissemination.

Governance: It is organized as a non-profit network with a central coordinating body and regional hubs. Governance structures include a board of directors, a program committee, and community advisory councils. Funding comes from grants, in-kind partnerships, memberships, and sponsorships.

Impact and reception: Lumentogether reports partnerships with public agencies and community groups across multiple countries. Evaluations highlight user satisfaction, reductions in energy consumption, and increases in local capacity for light-related projects. Critics note the ongoing need for stable funding and robust impact metrics.

See also: Lighting design, Community development, Open-source hardware.