PLANLED CEO
John Hwang
speaks about Lighting
Our Clients
Ending the Dark Ages of Lighting and Reclaiming the Power of Healthy Light and Dark Cycles to Regulate Modern Life
John Hwang is a thought leader and storyteller who has spent the past two decades challenging the outdated norms of artificial lighting. His bold mission: to end the “dark ages of lighting” that began with Edison—an era shaped by greed and ignorance that disrupted the natural light-dark cycle and contributed to the rise of chronic health issues.
RESTORE BALANCE
Collaborating with leading scholars on the biological effects of light, John has fused academic research with cutting-edge LED and smart control technologies to champion a new vision: a life-elevating light culture rooted in nature’s original design. His work seeks to restore the essential balance between light and darkness—reviving the energizing benefits of daylight while honoring the healing power of night for circadian health.
HUMAN-CENTRIC LIGHTING SOCIETY
In 2012, John founded the Human Centric Lighting Society, introducing a new genre of lighting designed to elevate the human experience—not just satisfy building codes. His groundbreaking projects with the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Portland Trail Blazers, and St. Louis Cardinals redefined lighting as a tool for performance, safety, and emotional well-being.
SPORTS THEATER
This journey led to the creation of Sports Theater—a genre-blending innovation that combines theatrical lighting with athletic energy—first piloted at Three Rivers School District in 2023 and fully realized at Dickies Arena during the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
John’s message has reached audiences from high school classrooms to MBA programs, from U.S. Department of Energy workshops to Greenbuild stages—always advocating for a future where lighting supports life, not just sight.