A Different Approach to Virus Mitigation

Natural Light Found to Help Kill Bacteria Indoors

A recent study conducted by the University of Oregon evaluated sunlight's impact on dust and germs in an indoor space. According to the research, published in the journal Microbiome, rooms exposed to daylight have fewer germs and half the viable bacteria compared with dark rooms.

Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, Ph.D., the co-author of the study and co-director of the Biology and the Built Environment Center at the University of Oregon concluded that "Until now, daylighting has been about visual comfort or broad health. But now we can say daylighting influences air quality."

A Different Approach to Virus Mitigation

Great news, but what do you do about spaces with limited sunlight exposure? Well, there is another option that's simple and cost-effective: Tubular daylighting, a top lighting system that evenly distributes sunlight without glare and minimal solar heat gain. Tubular daylighting allows for beautifully-natural light without any complicated structural modifications. In addition, the delivery of quality daylight to the school environment has shown to improve concentration, reduce behavioral issues and foster greater student achievement. 

Solatube offers daylighting solutions for all types of education spaces including classrooms, gyms, auditoriums, labs, hallways, cafeterias and more.

Featured

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.

  • iPark 87

    Building a Future-Focused Career and Technical Education Center

    A district superintendent shares his team's journey to aligning student passions with workforce demands, and why their new CTE center could be a model for districts nationwide.

  • UNL Kiewit Hall

    Designing for Engineering Excellence: Integrating Sustainability and Wellness at UNLs Kiewit Hall

    Kiewit Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln exemplifies how academic institutions can integrate sustainability and wellness into modern learning environments. With an integrated and collaborative team approach, Kiewit Hall addresses enhanced learning and creativity, physical health, and mental wellness, and fosters a sense of community through innovative design, operations, and policy solutions.

  • Massachusetts K–12 District Selects Architect for New Junior High

    Swansea Public Schools in Swansea, Mass., recently announced that it has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design a new junior high school for the district, according to a news release. The firm will create the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design for Joseph Case Junior High School after a lengthy selection process by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

Digital Edition