ARTIFICIAL WINDOWS AND HUMAN-CENTRIC LIGHTING: A CASE STUDY IN OFFICES WITHOUT DAYLIGHTING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov17n1-052Keywords:
Circadian Lighting, False Windows, Human-Centric Lighting, Visual Comfort, HealthAbstract
Work environments without access to natural light rely entirely on electric lighting to meet users’ visual and non-visual demands, a condition that may compromise comfort, well-being, and health. Traditionally, lighting design has been guided by photopic criteria associated with visual performance. However, research on human-centric lighting has shown that light also influences the non-visual system, affecting circadian rhythms, alertness, mood, and perceived well-being. Insufficient luminous stimulation of this system may lead to a condition known as “biological darkness,” which is common in enclosed environments. In this context, this study analyzes the contributive potential of artificial natural lighting systems, or false windows, in office spaces without access daylighting. An exploratory case study was conducted, integrating computational lighting simulations, measurements of photopic and melanopic parameters, and the application of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index before the installation of the system and after a period of use of the false window. The results indicated that combining the existing artificial lighting with the false window increased vertical illuminance at eye level and improved indicators of circadian stimulation, in addition to a statistically significant increase in perceived well-being scores. These findings suggest relevant associations between the analyzed lighting conditions and user well-being, contributing to the discussion on human-centric lighting strategies and to the understanding of the potential and limitations of false windows in windowless work environments.
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