The Effect of Light on an Environment

Natural and artificial light have a significant effect on the experience of hospital patients and can actually reduce stress and hospital time, says Rosalyn Cama, an interior designer and researcher specializes in health care design.

1 minute read

May 10, 2011, 11:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Susan S. Szenasy talks to Cama about her research and how the built environment and its use of lighting influences health.

"SSS: What is the one, big mistake designers make in combining daylighting with artificial lighting, from a human well-being point of view?

RC: Believe or not, many architects and developers are still not paying attention to the sun's orientation in siting a building. The light levels on one side of the hall versus the other can influence how long you will recover, therefore need different artificial lighting adjustments. The sunny side of the building can offer 46% greater sunlight intensity, which will require 22% less pain medication with a financial gain of 21% reduction in the cost of those medications."

FULL STORY: Q&A: Rosalyn Cama

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 in Metropolis Magazine

Land Use World Public Health Healthy Communities Hospitals Lighting Interior Design View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.