Circadian light offers numerous benefits, particularly in regions with limited sunlight. It helps mitigate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), reducing depression and enhancing mood. Exposure to light that mimics natural daylight can regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and overall well-being. It also boosts energy levels, productivity, and motivation by mimicking the natural progression of sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, simulated natural light can enhance visual comfort and reduce eye strain, creating a healthier and more pleasant indoor environment.
Benefits of Circadian Light
The article "Influence of Simulated Natural Light on Mood and Well-being" studies the impact of artificial light mimicking natural sunlight on individuals' health and mood in Oslo. It addresses the need for such lighting in northern regions with low solar intensity, which can cause health issues like seasonal affective disorder (SAD). By using a prototype to simulate natural light, the study found positive psychophysiological effects on participants, indicating improvements in well-being, energy, and motivation.
The research revealed a pattern: when participants frequently used the Garden, there was a higher likelihood of perceiving the impacts of the simulated light and perceiving that light as natural. Additionally, this sequence would incentivize users to increase their visits to the garden.
Percentage of people that perceived the light as natural
Participant’s frequency on the use of the Garden and gender distribuition
Percentage of participants that perceived the impacts of the light
The participants had difficulty differentiating the plants from the general environment.
Additionally, the perception of improvements in parameters such as "Creativity," "Natural Ambiance," and "Well-being" was satisfactory, with scores of 62%, 50%, and 61% respectively.
When participants in the experiment were asked to rate the garden light and experience in regards to the satisfaction, the results showed high scores of 3.67 (out of 5) for the LIGHT and 4.58 (out of 5) for the experience.
Importance of the Garden
Improvements in Parameters
High satisfaction Levels
Not to mention how the space was among the favorite rooms in the building due to its social aspect that was linked often as a “meeting spot”. Also, when we asked a set of characteristics and feelings that could be associated with the light. Only the positive words scored high, which means the intensity and relation between these words/feelings with the light.
Characteristics and Feelings assigned to the Light
Favorite Room in the Building
Social Aspect of the room
External Recognition
The external validation of our results through the publication of a scientific article in a Q1 magazine, along with presentations at congresses and other media outlets, has been instrumental in fueling our motivation to strive for more impactful outcomes. This recognition not only reinforces the credibility of our research within the scientific community but also emphasizes the broader significance of our work. Currently, at the lab, we remain dedicated to our mission, tirelessly updating our technology and exploring additional parameters to deepen our understanding and contribute further to the advancement of the innovation.
Other related articles and references:
Matusiak, B. (1998). Daylighting in linear atrium buildings at high latitudes. (Doctoral thesis). Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268387985_Daylighting_in_linear_atrium_buildings_at_high_latitudes
Kalinauskaite I. (2012) Positive influences of environmental context on well-being: Does presence of nature and daylight help us feel better in our daily lives? (Master’s thesis). Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven.
Jovanović A., Pejić P., Djorić-Veljković S., Karamarković J., & Djelić M., (2014) Importance of building orientation in determining daylighting quality in student dorm rooms: Physical and simulated daylighting parameters’ values compared to subjective survey results. Energy and Buildings, 77, 158-170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.03.048
Engwall, M., Fridh, I., Johansson, L., Bergbom, I., & Lindahl, B. (2015). Lighting, sleep and circadian rhythm: An intervention study in the intensive care unit. Intensive & Critical Care Nursing. 31(6), 325–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2015.07.001
Sosa Domínguez, L. M. (2016). La luz artificial como tecnología de simulación de la luz natural: evaluación de fiabilidad de los parámetros perceptivos y de confort (Master’s Thesis). UPC, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura de Barcelona, Barcelona. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/100928
Muros Alcojor, A. y Perdomo Cruz, M. J. (2021). Arquitectura y luz HHL, iluminación híbrida centrada en la salud. Icandela, volumen (41), 8-14. Retrieved from https://www.interempresas.net/FlipBooks/CN/41/14