How can you balance natural and artificial lighting for biophilic design?

1 Natural lighting benefits

Natural lighting is the most desirable and beneficial source of illumination for biophilic design, as it mimics the sun's cycles and colors, provides visual comfort, and reduces energy consumption. Natural lighting can also improve our mental and physical health, by boosting our mood, creativity, and alertness, as well as regulating our sleep patterns and hormone levels. To maximize the benefits of natural lighting, you should aim to provide as much daylight access as possible, through windows, skylights, or light wells. You should also consider the orientation, size, and shape of the openings, as well as the use of shading devices, glazing materials, and reflective surfaces, to control the amount, quality, and distribution of natural light.

2 Artificial lighting challenges

Artificial lighting is often necessary to supplement natural lighting, especially during the night or in spaces with insufficient daylight. However, artificial lighting can also pose some challenges for biophilic design, as it can create glare, contrast, or color issues, as well as interfere with our circadian rhythms and melatonin production. Artificial lighting can also consume more energy and generate more heat and emissions than natural lighting. To overcome these challenges, you should aim to use artificial lighting that is compatible with natural lighting, by matching its intensity, color temperature, and direction, as well as adjusting it according to the time of day, the season, and the activity. You should also consider the use of dimmers, sensors, timers, and smart controls, to optimize the efficiency and flexibility of artificial lighting.

3 Biophilic lighting strategies

Biophilic lighting is a term that refers to the design and application of lighting that supports biophilic principles and goals. This type of lighting seeks to create a dynamic, diverse, and comfortable environment that enhances our connection with nature and our well-being. To achieve this, natural and artificial lighting should be combined in a way that allows for changes in light levels, colors, and shadows throughout the day and the year. Additionally, natural elements such as plants, water, wood, or stone can be used to reflect, filter, or diffuse natural light while creating visual interest and texture. Artificial lighting should also mimic natural lighting by using LED bulbs that can adjust their color temperature and intensity or by creating artificial skylights or windows that simulate natural scenes. Furthermore, different types of artificial lighting, such as ambient, task, or accent lighting can be used to create different moods, atmospheres, or functions in the space. When combined with other biophilic design elements such as views, sounds, smells, or materials this will create a holistic and multisensory experience of nature. By following these tips and techniques you can balance natural and artificial lighting for biophilic design to create a beautiful and inspiring environment.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?