The Effects of Biophilic Lighting on Student Comfort and Productivity

In this study, we aimed to investigate the optimal lighting choice for UBC to incorporate into campus buildings to support UBC students’ productivity and comfort levels. We did this by testing the effects of different biophilic lighting options in workspaces with limited access to natural daylight. We anticipated that integrating methods to mimic lighting that follows a circadian rhythm has a more positive effect overall than mimicking daylight or artificial lighting. Using a Qualtrics online survey, we presented participants (N=95) with pictures that represent three different timestamped lighting conditions that show: (1) artificial lighting, (2) mimicked natural daylight, and (3) mimicked lighting that follows a circadian rhythm. We examined the data collected from the Likert scale, PEECE scale and a productivity scale in which participants rated their perceived productivity and comfort among the three conditions. According to the results, a significantly better effect in comfort is found in lighting that follows our circadian rhythm than in other conditions. The results also proved our prediction that mimicking natural light conditions through either biophilic lighting option can improve productivity and comfort compared to traditional artificial lighting. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”Arts, Faculty ofPsychology, Department ofUnreviewedUndergraduat