UCL Discovery
UCL home » Library Services » Electronic resources » UCL Discovery

Lit environments that promote health and well-being

van Creveld, K; Mansfield, K; (2020) Lit environments that promote health and well-being. Building Services Engineering Research and Technology , 41 (2) pp. 193-209. 10.1177/0143624419896250. Green open access

[thumbnail of Mansfield_BSERT_van_creveld_mansfield_Final.pdf]
Preview
Text
Mansfield_BSERT_van_creveld_mansfield_Final.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

The beneficial effects of light on human non-image forming processes are subject to much research interest and are outlined in this article. Known mechanisms of impact include those on the circadian timing system, the arousal system and the affective system. An indication is made that it is important to consider the characteristics of the light field not just the light source when making recommendations concerning light of certain spectral quality. What types of light field are people exposed to on a regular basis and can these lit environments be considered beneficial? How much do these lit scenes differ in terms of spectral composition, as well as in light distribution patterns and illuminance levels, from those conditions that are currently suggested for optimising occupant health and wellbeing? A representative set of natural and built lit environments were identified ranging from seascapes/landscapes to an urban square and various interior architectural environments. A photometric and colorimetric snapshot was measured during the midday hours, to replicate the visual field as viewed from the perspective of the observer. The measured spectral irradiance of light received at the cornea was converted into derived lighting metrics that are the subject of current recommendation: relative sensitivity curve (V λ), vertical/horizontal illuminance ratio (Ev/Eh), cylindrical illuminance (Ec) and circadian stimulus. The data were analysed to demonstrate that the indications are that more natural lit environments are expected to be beneficial. Discussion follows about the relative importance of spectral composition, intensity and light distribution within the visual field and how these might combine to optimise our health and wellbeing. / Practical application: Architectural and engineering designers are being encouraged to devise environments that promote human health and wellbeing. New lighting metrics are being suggested and this article seeks to indicate how effective these metrics are in their ability to characterise these lit environments.

Type: Article
Title: Lit environments that promote health and well-being
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1177/0143624419896250
Publisher version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0143624419896250
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Light, circadian, well-being
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment > Bartlett School Env, Energy and Resources
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10114747
Downloads since deposit
215Downloads
Download activity - last month
Download activity - last 12 months
Downloads by country - last 12 months

Archive Staff Only

View Item View Item