Outdoor lighting in Icelandic schoolyards : The importance of outdoor lighting during the dark winter days

Schoolyards play an important role in the Icelandic education system. Students aged 6 to 12 years old are required to go outdoors for recess at least two times per day. To play, get fresh air and to regain energy for upcoming classes. The schoolyards are even sometimes used for outdoor education where the students can experience their nearest environment. The children spend a great time of their childhood in school, which should support their well-being by offering an environment of good quality.The thesis main objective is to examine the importance of outdoor lighting in Icelandic schoolyards by the dark winter days. Since Iceland is located at high latitudes, the amount of daylight varies between seasons, with shorter days by winter but longer and brighter days by the summer.The structure of the thesis is a combination of research background and a case study. The research background introduces the positive link between the outdoors and well-being and how the mindset towards the winter can change the perception of darkness. Possibilities of outdoor lighting are examined, how lighting can contribute to the users and the identity of urban spaces. The case study examines two Icelandic schools where the current conditions are analyzed. Qualitative interviews were carried out to gain insight from school employees about the school environment and their experience of the students‘ well-being during the dark winter months. Finally, a lighting proposal is introduced that illustrates how layers of light can enrich the school outdoor environment.It can be truly said that outdoor lighting is of high importance in Icelandic schoolyards, for the students to see and experience the schoolyard by dark winter days. It is important that the lighting is in context with the schoolyard elements and thereby enhancing the quality of the environment