Summary
A randomized controlled trial of 750 participants found that natural lighting conditions in residential spaces significantly affect emotional wellbeing, with greater daylight access producing the strongest improvements in perceived happiness. These findings have practical implications for residential lighting design, particularly for remote workers who spend increased time indoors, suggesting that maximizing daylight entry should be a priority in housing design.
Key Findings
- 750 participants rated 7 types of natural lighting improvements via 3D simulations, with increased daylight entry producing the greatest positive impact on perceived happiness and reductions in sadness.
- Natural lighting conditions of housing were found to significantly impact residents' emotional subjective wellbeing (E-SWB), with higher daylight levels consistently associated with more positive emotional responses.
Categories
Mood & Mental Wellness: Study directly measures emotional subjective wellbeing (happiness/sadness) in response to natural lighting conditions in residential spaces.
Sleep & Circadian Health: Natural light exposure in home environments is foundational to circadian entrainment and overall wellbeing, particularly relevant as work-from-home increases indoor time.
Author(s)
E Sitarz
Publication Year
2023
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