Better Light, Better Schools

  • By David Velarde
  • 03/01/17

There was once a time when windows were primarily viewed as an opportunity for distractions amongst youngsters. Walk into a classroom built circa 1970 and there is decent chance small windows will line the walls. This was before the benefits of daylighting, designing to get the most out of natural light, became apparent.

Of course there is the obvious benefit. More light coming in through the windows means less of a need for artificial light, equating to a lower power bill. Obviously this is better for the environment as well; however, the benefits of natural lighting extend beyond the fiscal. For example, daylighting has also been shown to increase student testing scores and performance. Further, artificial lighting has been found to increase fatigue and levels of stress amongst students. Day-to-day this can have a compounding effect, leading to long-term negative outcomes on our youth. On top of which, increases in natural lighting have been linked to higher attendance rates among students. Ultimately, daylighting leads to a more positive school environment.

When implementing daylighting techniques, a best practice is to install reflective floors to get the most out of the light coming in; however, it is important to take glare into consideration as to not distract students. Also, higher windows are the most effective in allowing the optimum amount of light into the classroom. Thoughtfully placed skylights can be particularly effective, especially in interior rooms which lack window accessibility. Brightly colored interiors can go a step further in leveraging natural light to its fullest potential.

The benefits of daylighting are readily apparent; however, proper steps should be taken in the design phase to ensure students and faculty receive the maximum benefits that come once you let the natural light in.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

David Velarde is the Operations director of the Mountain Region for Gordian. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • i-PRO, NovoTrax Partner for New School Emergency Response Solution

    i-PRO Americas, Inc., which manufactures edge computing cameras, recently announced a partnership with NovoTrax, provider of end-to-end life safety and mass notification solutions, to address gaps in emergency response workflows at K–12 schools, according to a news release.

  • cutaway view of a modern school building, showing various rooms and zones

    Layering AI into HVAC Systems Shows Reduction in Carbon Emissions

    Heating and cooling systems are just one of the many new ways that AI can be integrated into schools. According to a new study from Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, AI-powered HVAC systems in schools can lead to significant carbon emissions savings.

  • Kimball Showroom Earns WELL Certified Platinum Distinction

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced that its showroom in New York City has achieved WELL Certification at the Platinum level as dictated by the International WELL Building Institute, according to a news release. The certification demonstrates a continuing commitment to creating environments that promote health, well-being, and productivity.

  • Case Study Highlights Texas District’s Campus Security Upgrades

    The Taft Independent School District near Corpus Christi, Texas, recently partnered with Intech Southwest Services to revamp its campus security technology system, according to a news release. Intech has released a case study on its website detailing the process that advanced the district’s technology by more than 20 years in less than three weeks.

Digital Edition