The focus in this thesis revolves around the healing effects of light in a modern psychiatric context, with treatment of eating disorder patients as the primary aim. The investigation of the topic includes research in symptoms and behaviour of patients with severe eating disorders. As patients are extremely sensitive and unstable, care professionals from Danish eating disorder facilities have been interviewed about the illness and treatment to avoid observation. A comprehensive study in the use of circadian lighting and light therapy in psychiatric treatment is implemented to explore context and comorbidity. Investigations of lighting design in new psychiatric facilities are included in a Danish state of the art section as well as current lighting standards. Criteria for a lighting design developed with eating disorders in mind is formed based on these findings.

In conclusion, a research-based lighting design concept has been proposed, for a 24-hour treatment facility, including a customised circadian lighting schedule.

Hypotheses are to be tested and evaluated in an upcoming clinical trial in Spring 2018.