Lighting Plays a Critical Role in a Healthy Space
Why take a holistic approach to lighting?
The right color and brightness can make us feel alert and energized, or make it hard to concentrate and disrupt productivity. Natural, artificial, and reflected light all play a part in how our body and mind perceive the space we are in and impact our cognitive function and performance.
Designing a space with natural light and high light-reflective ceilings will improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ). The proper integrated lighting will also improve building occupant well-being. Explore the impact, importance, and benefits of light as it relates to IEQ.
The Impact Of Light
Indoor Environment Quality – Light
A healthy space equals improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ). IEQ consists of multiple facets, including light. Learn how light impacts overall building occupant wellbeing.
The Importance Of Light
What is Circadian Rhythm?
All living organisms on Earth exhibit circadian rhythms – biological cycles that repeat themselves daily and are regulated by environmental signals, the most important being the natural, 24-hour, light-dark cycle. Patterns of light and dark are converted to neural signals that promote synchronization of the body’s “biological clock.” Research has shown that without this synchronization we may experience long-term decline in physiological function, neurobehavioral performance, and sleep – putting us at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. Learn more about the Light and Health Research Center.
How Can Ceilings Help?
Along with Armstrong, leaders in the built environment like WELL, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the Light and Health Research Center (LHRC) recognize the importance of circadian rhythm and circadian stimulus. The high light-reflective portfolio from Armstrong World Industries can help bring natural light deeper into spaces, providing up to 25% more usable light. For example, recent product testing has shown that ULTIMA HEALTH ZONE AIRASSURE ceiling panels can provide improved circadian stimulus.
"Daily patterns of light and dark are instrumental to all parts of our body, to do the right thing at the right time."
- Mariana G. Figueiro, Ph.D. | Director, Lighting and Health Research Center
