What is Nocturne?
Nocturne is the result of a design research project by designer and lecturer Briony Hartley MA FRSA ISTD.
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At the start of this project I had noticed people don't seem to go outdoors at night anymore. From my childhood playing outdoors, to raves in forests and then family camping, being out in the dark with other people was part of my history. Yet as I looked around at my own children, the students I teach and social behaviours in my home town I observed this seemed to have changed. I decided to investigate.
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My research question was :
How can night as a barrier to nature and human connection be challenged for urban residents in the UK?
In exploring the interaction between urban UK citizens, nature and night, I found that being outdoors together at night was part of British social history and yet there is an alarming a trend now for people to stay in their homes after dark. Reasons for this include changes in drinking culture and the night time economy, increased fear, lack of safety in public spaces, capitalism, wealth, private land ownership, government regulation, limited access to green space, human biology and psychology, the lasting legacy of the covid pandemic and the rise of in-home technology, mobile phones and algorithms.
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It's alot, however, a society who stays home, isolated on technology at night, faces negative impacts on their mental health, community, connection, happiness and creativity. In an era of rapid urbanization, with decreasing safe access to green space and increasing social media use, I feel urgent action is required to prevent this trend of indoor isolation worsening in the coming decades.
Historically, humans have socialized at night, for firegazing, sharing stories, dancing, romance and even rebellion. Now we sit alone indoors being brainwashed by algorithms. It seems to me a disturbing vision of the future which has already arrived.
My project outcome offers nature by night as a solution. Opening private urban green spaces for social cultural events at night time could create vibrant, connected communities and boost cultural engagement while protecting and nurturing nocturnal biodiversity.
Night time has unique properties which offers exciting perceptual and creative experience. It has inspired artists and designers throughout history. I realise we are losing our connection with natural darkness, and each other and am convinced that we all absolutely must.... Wake up, go out and SEIZE THE NIGHT!
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The MA is finished but this project is continuing. Real Nocturne events are starting to happen in museum gardens and community woodlands after dark, and I'm still hearing wonderful memories of night which I hope to curate into a book or installation.
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If you would like to get involved, I'd love to hear from you.​