Modern life has created a multitude of advantages that were
not possible for a pre-industrialized nation.
Yet with all its comforts and technological advancements, none has had a
more profound effect upon humans as our simulated environments with sources of
light.
During the 1960s and 1970s, a forward thinking professor
from Kent State University, John Flynn hypothesized the psychological effects
of artificial light on humans. In Flynn’s
research, he proposed resolutions to improve the quality of light for our
“spatial Illumination.”
As research continued into the study of light upon humans,
notable ailments have been attributed to the lack of natural light. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common
in humans who live in climates where prolong periods of daylight is
absent. A notable difference in
depression, as well as a deficiency of vitamin D is linked with the lack of exposure
to daylight. This same effect is
identified in shift workers, whose exposure to natural
light is limited.
In 2001 ganglion, a new eye cell receptor was identified as
a sensor to slight changing patterns of light upon humans by signaling the
nervous system. This response signals
the human brains with changes to the body’s circadian rhythms. The resulting effect causes an impact upon
our emotional state of mind as well as our vital organs, and immune
systems.
A serious impact to our cardiac system invokes changes in
patterns of heart rate variability (HRV).
These variations in heart rate can increase our stress levels and
ultimately shorten our life expectancies.
Continued research is needed to fully understand the effects
the absences of natural light has upon the human body, but enough evidence has
concluded that we as designers must recognized the impact of light on human
health and welfare when we analyze our building lighting systems.
