Courtesy of jury member Denise Turner

In many parts of the world, interior designers and architects are required, by code to specify fluorescent lighting for commercial as well as residential interiors. However not all fluorescent lighting is created equal, which is why it is imperative that we specify the best possible light source; for the integrity of our designs and for the health of building occupants.  LED lighting is rapidly emerging in every aspect of interior design and is gaining popularity for its color resolution and environmental benefits. Increased use of glass also meets the increasing demands of the environmental and energy issues that are tied to stricter building codes. The expanded use of glass for interior partitions, doors, wall cladding and more helps to transmit and reflect n atur al, full spectrum light in a given space, and can reduce the building’s energy load.

Respected light researcher, Dr. John Ott, conducted a study on the effects of full spectrum lighting on humans. One classroom used standard fluorescent lighting while the other used full spectrum lighting. The children exposed to standard fluorescent lighting displayed hyperactivity, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The students in the full spectrum lighting classroom had much better academic performances, were calm and developed one third fewer cavities than those children in the cool white fluorescent class room. Light therapy is also a common hospital procedure for treating premature, jaundice infants.

The Mayo Clinic treats a verity of conditions with light therapy. By exposing patients to the bright lights of the light therapy box (more intense than standard household lighting) it alters their body’s internal clock or circadian rhythms. It suppresses their body’s natural release of melaton in and causes a biochemical changes in the brain.
The Mayo Clinic uses light therapy to treat conditions like:

  • » SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder) as well as non-seasonal depression
  • » OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
  • » Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • » Postpartum depression
  • » Certain sleep disorders, jet lag

Hear ing this, it is not hard to imagine how better, more natural lighting through the increased use of glass could also affect patient recovery times in hospitals and medical facilities around the world.