Daylight, Views, and Ventilation: Essential Design Criteria for Healthier Spaces in Architecture

Introduction

In the previous blog post, we explored the relationship between a specific health condition—winter depression—and the built environment. This chapter expands upon that foundation to investigate the broader relationship between architecture and health. It provides a framework for understanding how design decisions can influence a person’s overall health and wellness. The following sections will highlight key areas where architecture and design have been shown to affect health outcomes.

3.1 Environmental Health

Health can be perceived in various ways: some view it as merely the absence of disease, while others consider it a state of physical, mental, and social well-being. Environmental health offers a comprehensive approach, examining how natural, social, and built environments interact to affect human health. It has been well established that the built environment significantly influences our well-being. The EPA estimates that Americans spend 89% of their day indoors, underscoring the necessity for architects, engineers, and design professionals to understand the health implications of their design choices.

3.2 Biophilia

The biophilia hypothesis posits that humans possess an innate desire to connect with nature, as we evolved in natural settings. Jonathan F. P. Rose asserts that this connection is crucial for our survival. Research by Kellert and Heerwagen reinforces this, indicating that our well-being is adapted to a natural environment. Contact with natural stimuli—such as light, sound, and vegetation—has beneficial health effects. For facilities designed to prevent and treat SAD, incorporating elements like large trees, water features, and diverse landscaping may enhance therapeutic outcomes for patients.

3.3 Views

Extensive research demonstrates the positive health benefits of views, particularly those of nature. Studies indicate that a view of nature can significantly improve brain activity, reduce blood pressure, and lower muscle tension within minutes. Furthermore, patients with postoperative views of nature required fewer pain medications compared to those facing brick walls. Therefore, prioritizing views of nature in architectural design, especially in healthcare settings, is vital for promoting health and recovery.

3.4 Sick Building Syndrome & Ventilation

Indoor air quality is a critical factor influencing health. Research shows that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, leading to conditions like Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, and skin irritation. Effective natural ventilation has been shown to alleviate SBS symptoms by allowing occupants to control their air quality. The principle of “first do no harm” applies not only in medicine but also in architecture. Designers should strive to create spaces that not only avoid causing illness but actively promote health.

3.5 Daylight

Daylight is essential for health, particularly in combating winter depression. UV-B radiation from sunlight enables the body to produce Vitamin D, crucial for preventing various health issues. Despite its importance, 95% of UV-B radiation is filtered out by glass, emphasizing the need for outdoor exposure to reap its full benefits. Moreover, daylight influences circadian rhythms, and the variability in natural light throughout the day and seasons is difficult to replicate artificially. Thus, healthcare designers should prioritize maximizing natural light in their facilities while using artificial light to supplement as needed.

3.6 Architecture & Health Summary

This chapter establishes that the built environment profoundly impacts health and wellness. Contact with natural environments can improve various health conditions, while even views of nature offer notable benefits. Good indoor air quality and adequate ventilation are essential to prevent health issues, and the positive effects of daylight on mood regulation and Vitamin D production cannot be overlooked. These insights can be applied across a range of healthcare settings, contributing to the design criteria established in the previous chapter.

Given that Americans spend approximately 90% of their lives indoors, a comprehensive approach to health must consider how our built environment affects long-term wellness. The responsibility for this understanding lies not only with medical professionals but also with architects, engineers, and planners.

Supplementary Design Criteria Footnotes

1	Kellert, Stephen R. & Heerwagen, Judith “Nature and Healing: The Science, Theory, and Promise of Biophelic Design” in Biophelic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life, New Jersey: Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2008. 85.
2	Ulrich, Roger. “Biophelic Theory and Research for Healthcare Design” in Biophelic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life, by Kellert, Stephen R. & Heerwagen, Judith H. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2008. 90-94.
3	Kellert, Stephen R. & Heerwagen, Judith “Nature and Healing: The Science, Theory, and Promise of Biophelic Design” in Biophelic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life, by Kellert, Stephen R. & Heerwagen, Judith H. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2008. 85.
4,5	Guenther, Robin and Vittori, Gail. Sustainable Healthcare Architecture. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2008. 306.
6	Boubekri, Mohammed. Daylighting, Architecture, and Health. Architectural Press, Burlington, MA. 2008. 64-104.
7	Boubekri, Mohammed. Daylighting, Architecture, and Health. Architectural Press, Burlington, MA. 2008. 79.
8	Boubekri, Mohammed. Daylighting, Architecture, and Health. Architectural Press, Burlington, MA. 2008. 65.

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