Light plays a vital role in the life cycle of living things and has many visual, biological and psychological effects, primarily on humans. Artificial lighting sources have been used only for centuries to enhance visual effects, and standards and regulations have generally focused on better visibility conditions.
Recent studies have revealed that light, beyond its role in providing vision, also has profound and positive effects on human health. This exciting discovery opens up new possibilities for lighting design and its potential to enhance human well-being.
In this direction, lighting standards have been updated, and arrangements have been made to positively contribute to human health in factors such as brightness levels, dynamic colour temperatures and flicker values. Now, let's examine light's visual, biological and psychological effects in more detail.
Visual Effects of Light:
Lighting affects the perception of space and objects visually and aesthetically, increasing the environment's beauty and meeting the need for security. Professional lighting design significantly improves this perception.
Defining the Area:
Correct lighting clarifies the boundaries and function of the space. Lighting elements placed on walls, floors or ceilings make the physical boundaries of the space more apparent. While general lighting comes from the ceiling, sconces and corner lighting add depth to the space.
Size Perception:
Strategically placed lighting makes the space feel broader or narrower. Lights mounted on the walls and spotlights placed on the floor make the dimensions of the space clear and create a feeling of depth. The choice of lighting colour temperature changes the atmosphere of the space; While cold tones give energy, warm tones relax the person.
Creating Atmosphere:
Different lighting types and colors give the space the desired atmosphere. Warm yellow lights are ideal for rest hours and environments, while cool white lights are suitable for working hours and working and training areas that require concentration. Adjustable light intensity with dimmer switches customizes the environment according to user needs. Dynamic light sources mimic daylight and support the hormonal system and psychological well-being.
Object & Color Perception:
Special lighting techniques emphasize objects such as works of art or furniture, making them stand out in the space. Spotlights and directed lighting allow you to see the details of objects clearly and support accurate colour perception. The quality of the lighting fixture is also important for the correct perception of colours in the environment. With luminaires with low colour rendering, colours can be perceived very differently than they actually are.
Biological Effects of Light:
Biologically, light regulates circadian rhythm, maintains hormonal balance, and supports physical health. Proper lighting balances melatonin production, improves sleep quality and strengthens the immune system.
Circadian Rhythm: Light affects the circadian rhythm, which sets our biological clock. In particular, daylight regulates the body's sleep and wakefulness cycle with the information it sends to the brain. When exposed at appropriate times during the day, proper lighting supports the circadian rhythm and helps a more regular and healthy sleep pattern.
Hormonal Balance: Light affects hormone production and release. In particular, while a lack of daylight can increase melatonin production, this production is reduced when we get enough daylight. This can have a direct impact on sleep patterns. Additionally, by increasing serotonin production, cool white light can positively affect our mood and reduce the risk of depression.
Physical Health: Poor-quality artificial lighting sources can negatively affect eye and skin health. Designers must question the compliance of lighting fixtures used in architectural projects with photobiological safety standards.
However, the flicker caused by the drivers of LED light sources can trigger symptoms of disorders such as autism and epilepsy and cause some health problems, such as migraines and vertigo. For this reason, as professional lighting consultants, we always prefer luminaires that have passed photobiological safety tests and flicker-free drivers in our projects to create healthy illuminated environments.
Psychological Effects of Light
Light significantly affects people's moods and emotional states. Choosing the right lighting can increase energy and motivation while providing positive effects such as rest. However, there are some important points to consider regarding lighting type and colour.
Rest: Warm Light
Warm lights typically have a colour temperature between 2700K and 3000 K. These types of lights are ideal for relaxation. Especially in the evening, they can facilitate sleep by increasing melatonin production in the body. However, using excessively warm light can sometimes cause drowsiness, so a balanced lighting scheme should be preferred.
Energy and Motivation: Cold Light
Cool-coloured lights generally have a colour temperature above 4000K. These types of lights give energy and increase motivation. They are especially preferred in work areas and activities that require focus. Cold light can positively affect mood by increasing serotonin production in the brain.
Risk of Anxiety and Depression:
It is known that exposure to cold-coloured lights for a long time can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Additionally, using such lights at night negatively affects sleep quality by lowering melatonin levels. Studies show that long-term and evening cold light exposure increases the risk of heart attack.
Given the potential for both positive and negative effects of light on human health, it is crucial to take a balanced approach to lighting design. Your decisions in lighting selection should be made with the purpose and time of use of the space in mind, always prioritizing human health and comfort.
Resources:
"Lighting Design Basics" by Mark Karlen and James R. Benya
"Color and Light in Architecture" by Tadao Ando
"Brainard G and Glickman G.,. The Biological Potency of Light in Humans: Significance to Health and Behavior, 25th Session of CIE Proceedings, San Diego, Vol 1, pp I22I33, 2003.
A. Wilkins, J. Veitch, and B. Lehman, “LED lighting Flicker and potential health concerns: IEEE standard PAR1789 update,” Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE), Atlanta, GA, pp. 171-178, 2010.
CE Rash, “Awareness of causes and symptoms of Flicker vertigo can limit ill effects,” Human Factors & Aviation Medicine, vol. 51, p. 1–6, 2004.
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