Designing daylight solutions for commercial buildings
Introduction
The availability of artificial light over the last two centuries and the restructuring of our working day means we are fast becoming the 'Indoor Generation', a generation of people whose experience of daylight and fresh air during the week can often be restricted to the morning commute to work or school, a quick lunch break or a stop at the supermarket on the way home.
The influence that architecture has on our lives cannot be understated, and the need to create healthier, brighter indoor spaces with greater access to daylight and to the outdoors is a pressing one.
Whilst we have adapted to living indoors, we are essentially still outdoor animals, and our genetic code is designed for us to live in a natural environment.
Light is an acute stimulant that directly alerts the brain and thus can affect energy levels as well as alertness and productivity. It affects mood and influences social behaviours and cognitive performance.
The impact of daylight on occupants in commercial buildings
Research on office buildings has shown that office workers highly value access to a window and to varying degrees of daylight. Even in darker locations within a building, the occupants still expressed satisfaction with the daylight level, as long as they could look into a daylit space. In the YouGov survey, 39% of respondents said that daylight significantly impacts on their mood.
To find out more on how to design commercial buildings for improved health and productivity by utilising daylight download your free copy of the whitepaper, Designing daylight solutions for commercial buildings.
Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Aspects of daylighting design covered by EN 17037.
- Daylight.
- Daylight factor.
- EN 17037 Daylight in buildings.
- Glare.
- Health and wellbeing impacts of natural and artificial lighting.
- Lighting.
- Lighting and health infographic.
- Lighting designer.
- Lighting and offices.
- Rooflights.
- Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight.
- Types of building EN 17037 applies to.
- Solar gain.
- Types of lighting.
- Windows.
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.