Daylighting Impacts on Human Performance in School

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to see if we could demonstrate a clear relationship between the presence of daylight and human performance in buildings.In this study we used a statistical technique called multivariate regression analysis, which analyzes the impor tance and impact of many variables simultaneously. The performance data used were gathered from three school districts. This analysis allowed us to estimate the effect of a wide number of variables and to determine which vari ables have no significant effect. Using this method, we established a statistically compelling connection between the presence of daylight and student performance.The implications of the results of this study extend beyond the educational sector. We believe the conclu sions may be transferable to other types of buildings, such as offices and factories, since it is really human per formance we investigated. If daylighting enhances the performance of children in schools, it is not too large a stretch to suppose that it might also enhance the perfor mance of adults in office buildings.

Solar and Lighting Transmission through Complex Fenestration Systems of Office Buildings in a Warm and Dry Climate of Chile

“…Fenestration areas provide panoramic views to outdoor and transmission of solar radiation, allowing solar heat gains and daylighting to indoor spaces. Therefore, windows directly impact comfort, productivity, and health of the occupants [1][2][3]. At the same time, daylight can significantly reduce buildings electric energy consumption, due to reduction of using artificial lighting [1,4].…”

Understanding the Importance of Sustainable Buildings in Occupants Environmental Health and Comfort

“…Not only green areas have significant effect on human behavior, but also natural features seem to affect emotional well being. For example an evaluation of day lighting in schools showed that students in day lit classrooms were happier than those with minimal day lighting in other classrooms [Heschong et al, 2002]. These studies show natural element play an important role in buildings and can simply affect the occupant's psychological behaviors and their well being.…”

Kongsberg Vision Meeting 2017 Abstracts

“…This is even more important for younger school children as their bodies are still growing and developing. Daylight offers huge benefits in an educational environment, from improved concentration of the pupils to better sleep and health (Heschong, Wright, & Okura, 2002;Mott, Robinson, Walden, Burnette, & Rutherford, 2012;Shishegar & Boubekri, 2016). Recent reviews show that school buildings of compact plans prevail among others in Norway, also as awardwinning projects.…”