From Science to Practice: Implementing Evidence-Based Holistic Lighting in Architectural Lighting Design
Author
Leduskrasta-Busa, Ilze
Term
4. Term
Education
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-05-26
Pages
51
Abstract
For decades, research has shown that light affects more than vision: it influences our internal body clock (circadian rhythms), sleep, and alertness. Yet lighting practice often still centers on visual metrics and energy codes, and many designers lack straightforward ways to bring biology into everyday projects. This thesis presents the Biological Lighting Protocol, a practical framework for holistic lighting design. The protocol unfolds in three steps: first, define the circadian needs of the people and activities in a space; second, select suitable spectral qualities (the color and wavelength makeup of light) to meet those needs; third, translate these choices into a clear lighting strategy and spatial narrative that describes how light supports the space over time. Developed by the author through a method that translates research into design actions and shaped by professional practice, the protocol enables practitioners to use metrics such as Circadian Stimulus (CS) and melanopic Equivalent Daylight Illuminance (m-EDI) without advanced training in neuroscience, biology, or mathematics. Its validity is supported by leading scientific studies, expert recommendations, and the author’s applied experience. The result is a health-oriented, workable way to treat light as a biological interface within architectural design.
I årtier har forskning vist, at lys påvirker mere end synet: det påvirker vores indre ur (døgnrytmer), søvn og vågenhed. Alligevel er belysningspraksis ofte stadig centreret om visuelle metrikker og energikrav, og mange designere mangler en enkel måde at inddrage biologiske principper i projekter. Denne afhandling præsenterer Biologisk Belysningsprotokol, en praktisk ramme for holistisk belysningsdesign. Protokollen består af tre trin: først at definere brugernes døgnrytmiske behov i rummet; dernæst at vælge passende spektrale egenskaber (lysets farve- og bølgelængdesammensætning) for at opfylde disse behov; til sidst at omsætte valgene til en lysstrategi og rumlig fortælling, der beskriver, hvordan lyset understøtter rummet over tid. Udviklet af forfatteren via en metode, der oversætter forskning til konkrete designhandlinger, og formet af professionel praksis, gør protokollen det muligt for praktikere at anvende metrikker som Circadian Stimulus (CS) og melanopisk Equivalent Daylight Illuminance (m-EDI) uden avanceret viden i neurovidenskab, biologi eller matematik. Tilgangen er understøttet af ledende videnskabelige studier, ekspertanbefalinger og forfatterens egne erfaringer. Resultatet er en sundhedsorienteret og anvendelig måde at betragte lys som et biologisk interface i arkitektonisk design.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords
Holistic Lighting Design ; Biological Lighting Protocol ; From Science to Practice ; Human-Centered Lighting ; Evidence-Based Lighting ; Light as a Biological Interface ; Lighting that Supports Life ; Light Storytelling ; Circadian Rhythm ; Melatonin & Cortisol ; Spectral Sensitivity ; Non-visual Effects of Light ; Circadian Stimulus (CS) ; Melanopic Equivalent Daylight Illuminance (M-EDI) ; Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) ; Temporal Light Modulation / Flicker ; Health-Oriented Lighting ; Lighting for Well-being