Every year on May 16, the International Day of Light is celebrated, decreed by UNESCO in 2017 to celebrate the central role of light in our lives and its historical importance for the development of science, culture, art, education and sustainable development.
Various studies have shown the impact of natural light on our academic and work performance. For example, research developed by UPMC (Université Pierre et Marie Curie) and INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) confirmed that natural light in schools improved children's academic performance by up to 15%. This same study also highlighted the importance of having large windows: the larger they are, the more positive the students' results are because they help improve concentration and reduce stress.
These results can be extrapolated to our homes. Natural light affects color perception and visual acuity. A home without sufficient natural light alters the basic hormonal pattern and decreases the ability to concentrate and cooperate. As UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay declared at the 2018 celebration, Light “symbolizes life, thanks to it you can see the world”.
For centuries, architecture has configured cities and large infrastructures in line with the solar path to seek the greatest number of hours of natural light possible. Psychology has also studied the importance of natural light in our well-being. Making the most of natural light should be a priority in our daily lives.
Exposure to sunlight releases serotonin, the happiness hormone, which helps improve our mood and our interpersonal relationships. It also collaborates in the production of melatonin, a substance related to the quality of sleep and rest.
How can we improve the natural light in our home?
Looking at our roofs is a good possibility. The overhead light opens a world of performances: skylights, galleries, floor-to-ceiling windows or windows on the roofs. These are some of the most requested renovations for interior designers and architects to ensure that light reaches spaces that did not have it before. Another good option to increase the clarity of our homes is to use warm or white colors in the frames and edges of the windows. Size also influences the entry of sunlight; ideally, the windows occupy 10-20% of the surface of the room.
Not only for our quality of life, but the value of the home will grow significantly once the natural light inside increases. Homes with electricity are more expensive, sell sooner and are in greater demand. Don't hesitate to approach a window in the office, at your workplace or at home. More than 50% of the population has sunlight deficits that affect their personal development!
