Assignment 1- Essay

Light- Something that makes things visible or affords illumination; electromagnetic radiation to which the organs of sight react, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 700 nanometers and propagated at a speed of 186.282 miles per second (Random House Webster's College Dictionary).

Light is an element that has been in motion since the start of creation. “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth…And God said “Let there be light,” and there was light.” (Genesis 1: 1, 3) The use of light has always been used as an aid in illumination interior and exterior spaces. But with recent studies and findings stating that large amounts of light can produce health affects, several arise. What health related issues are caused by lighting and what can us as designers do to have reversed or reverse the effects?

“Chronobiology has [been] described [as] the influence of light exposure on human physical and mental health as well as behavior and performance (Eve Edelstein).” Light has many affects on the human body, some good and some bad. The human body functions off of light but it is the large amounts of light that have caused such issues a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). “Prolonged exposure to inadequate levels of daylight is associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (Eve Edelstein).”

Seasonal Affective Disorder is also believed to contribute to such health issues “as diabetes, reproductive and growth disturbances, and symptoms associated with premature aging (Maestroni & Conti, 1996)… [And] increased cancer rates (Eve Edelstein).” According to Random House Webster’s College Dictionary, cancer is a malignant and invasive growth or tumor, especially one originating in epithelium, tending to recur after excision and to metastasize to other sites. An article published by the Washington Post supports the argument of light levels increasing and being linked to cancer. It has been tested and proven by scientist through experiments involving light levels and rats that showed such findings to be accurate. But more recent studies have been able to link light levels to certain types of cancer. “Exposure to too much light at night can raise the risk of breast cancer by interfering with the brain’s production of a tumor-suppressing hormone (Weiss).”

On a lesser note, but still very important, exposure to certain light levels can lead to the disruption of the circadian rhythm. “Circadian rhythm refers to the biological cycle of plants and animals. Research concludes that light absorption in the human eye sets and affects or circadian rhythms (Steffy).” A perfect example of the disruption of circadian rhythm is daylight savings time. Published by the New York Times, daylight savings time interrupts the body’s internal clock. “It seems that when the clock is moved forward or back one hour, the body’s internal clock- its circadian rhythm, which uses daylight to stay in tune with its environment- does not adjust (O'Connor).” Although not yet made official, scientist believe that this time change can lead to such health affects as heart attack and, maybe even, suicide.

So with all this information proving lighting to have so many harmful effects, what as designers can we do? “Controlling illumination is paramount, regardless of whether the source is from the sun or from electrical lamps (Eve Edelstein).” As designers we need to consider all aspects of the space. Its intended function, does it face the sun, how many people will be using the space, to the types of materials used in the space. Such information is imperative in selecting and designing the perfect lighting for the space. As the design world becomes more aware of the sustainable lighting option we will be able to be on the defense when it comes to certain lighting related health issues. LED lighting is becoming more commonly used as a sustainable lighting alternative. “LED lighting emitting diode is a solid state light source typically producing very specific wavelength(s)…Red light is believed to limit the interruption of melatonin production during sleeping hours… (Steffy).”

My Reflection:

These collections of articles were very interesting. It is almost crazy how harmful light can be. Especially when you are raised to make sure you have enough light on so that you do not ruin your eyes. I am glad to say that reading these articles has broadened my mind when I think about designing light fixtures. A very important element in designing a space, the lighting can be that one characteristic to make or break your design. And to know that health issues are associated with lighting spaces makes you think even the more. These articles make me even more eager to learn more about lighting, something that I do not know too much about.

Bibliography
Eve Edelstein, PhD. "Influence of Architectural Lighting on Health." Implications (n.d.): 5.
O'Connor, Anahad. "The Claim: Daylight Saving Time Can Affect Yolur Health." The New York Times (2009): 2.
Random House Webster's College Dictionary. New York: Random House, Inc., 2001.
Steffy, Gary. Architectural Lighting Design. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2008.
Weiss, Rick. "The Washington Post." Lights at Night Are Linked to Breast Cancer: Study Bolsters Theory About Interference With Production of Key Hormone (2008): 2.

Lighting Fun

Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, Villa Savoye

" The play of sunglight across the geometric forms of the Villa Savoye's ramp and staircase epitomizes Le' Corbusier's aesthetic ideal of mathematical lyricism."

The bathroom was designed as a spartan shrine for the body, flooded with health-giving sunlight.