Humans are affected both psychologically and physiologically by the various types of light, and these effects are the often less quantifiable and easily overlooked benefits of daylighting. Natural light is often associated with improved mood, enhanced morale, lower fatigue, and reduced eyestrain. According to a report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
PRODUCTIVITY AND ATTENDANCE A school with insufficient light can also reduce a student’s ability to learn due to the effect lighting has on the brain. Poor spectral light can create strain on students’ eyes, leading to a decrease in information processing and learning ability, as well as causing higher stress levels (Liberman 1991). Dr. Walker (1998) found that stress impacts…show more content… Students in the Canadian full-spectrum fluorescent schools grew 2.1 cm more in two years (Hathaway, et al. 1992) compared to students who attended traditional fluorescent-lit schools. The increased activity of these hormones supports researchers’ observations that children under electric lights all day have decreased mental capabilities, agitated physical behavior, and fatigue. The lack of daylight could cause delay within the neocortex, a part of the brain associated with higher functions such as sensory perception, generation of motor commands, spatial reasoning, conscious thought, and language. When a certain learning environment has poor lighting, it will often cause one to feel stressed. Architect Renzo Piano describes this feeling, saying: “You feel the clouds coming, or you feel the day going away. You feel all these little changes. So the light is an essential element.” Piano is a winner of the Pritzker Prize, which is awarded annually to architects who’s work have made significant contribution to humanity through the art of architecture. A Daystar article, “Benefits of Natural Daylighting” shows that when daylight is managed properly, there was an increase in student attendance and
