BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Atrium

This presentation examines the vital connection between light, health, and wellbeing, questioning what light is and emphasising how contemporary lifestyles have greatly reduced our exposure to natural daylight.  The presentation traces our transition from ancestral, full-spectrum light exposure to today’s predominantly indoor, artificial environments, which often lack the beneficial wavelengths found in sunlight - particularly infrared and ultraviolet. It explores the physiological effects of light on circadian rhythms, hormone regulation, and cellular health, highlighting the risks of “light malnutrition” and the need to design spaces that prioritise both human and environmental sustainability. The talk advocates for creating environments that actively promote health by integrating high-quality, human-centric lighting and green spaces, ultimately urging architects and designers to treat light as a fundamental component of wellbeing.