02 Jun Benefits of Natural Lighting
It goes without saying that having adequate lighting in a work environment is essential for productivity and visual heath. Not only does bright lighting allow for better vision, but it also stimulates the brain for better concentration and creativity. While bright lighting in general is important, florescent lighting can actually be harmful to your sight after long periods of time. The best lighting to work in for the greatest productivity stimulation is natural daylight. Not only is it better for vision, daylight does not have the same long term effects that florescent or incandescent lights do. Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Idaho, Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, has written several articles on the importance of natural light in work environments. He mentions in his article, The Benefits of Natural Light, in Architectural Lighting Magazine, one of several scientific studies behind this importance.
“Daylighting has been touted for its many aesthetic and health benefits by designers and researchers alike. Scientists at the Lighting Research Center (LRC), in Troy, N.Y., for example, have reported that daylit environments increase occupant productivity and comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate human circadian rhythms” (Van Den Wymelenberg, 2014).
Natural light can provide other health benefits, such as Vitamin D, which help promote physical and psychological wellbeing. It is vital in all industries, but specifically relating to what we do in design, it is essential for reading and creating working drawings, colour matching, specification accuracy and more.
Unfortunately, despite knowledge of the several physical and mental health benefits of natural light, for many office professionals, this luxury isn’t always available and as a result, health concerns become an issue. Fortunately; however, lighting designers have created a solution for those who have no other option but to use artificial lighting. An American company known as Daylight specializes in task lighting that provides the visual health benefits of working with natural daylight. Their state-of-the-art technology has been proven to make a striking difference for everyone who uses it. To top it all off, it’s sleek and stylish design is a great addition to any office space. Perhaps this could be the starts of an office lighting revolution.
No Comments