There is a multitude of research that supports the need for have natural light in any closed space, and in particular, in those environments where we spend many hours of the day, such as labor (offices), formative (colleges and universities) and curatives (hospitals and nursing homes).  

Studies have shown that adequate exposure to natural light in the work environment improves the performance of workers and significantly influences their mood, psychological health and general well-being.

In the interior design projects of modern offices, different formulas are constantly being sought to optimize the flow of natural light, through architectural resources that allow light to flow from one room to another. In these images, we'll see some of the most widely used and efficient resources.

Benefits of natural light in offices

It is well known that natural light is a source of vital energy that regulates many of the biological rhythms of the human body. Among these, circadian rhythm —the 24-hour internal cycle that regulates sleep, wakefulness, body temperature, and other physiological functions—is particularly sensitive to light. When people are exposed to natural light during the day, their circadian rhythms tend to synchronize more effectively, resulting in better performance. restful nighttime sleep, increased daytime energy and which impacts their daily work performance.

On the contrary, prolonged exposure to artificial lighting, Especially in poorly lit offices, it can disrupt these rhythms, leading to fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, and reduced concentration levels. Lack of natural light can also contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that commonly occurs during the winter months when the days are shorter.

The location of workstations with respect to the direction of the sun is extremely important and requires a prior study to determine the sun's course at different times and months of the year. For example, generally speaking, in the northern hemisphere, The best orientation is towards the south, and in the southern hemisphere, It faces north. In both cases, natural light is constant and soft throughout the day, without intense peaks of direct light that cause glare. Furthermore, this orientation reduces the need for artificial air conditioning.

La east facing (Morning light) is soft and energizing, perfect for starting the workday with energy. However, glare can occur early in the morning if the windows don't have sun protection (curtains, blinds, etc.). screems or treated glass). In warm climates, it is normal for there to be an increase in temperature from the first hours of the day.

Finally, the west facing (the least recommended) provides high light intensity in the afternoon, which can cause glare, thermal discomfort, and increased temperature. For this reason, offices require air conditioning and solar-protected glass.

Access to natural light has proven to be a determining factor in the productivity of workers. A study conducted by the American Institute of Interior Architecture (IAI) revealed that employees who worked near windows with natural light were more likely to 15% more productive than those who didn't. This improvement is due to a combination of factors: increased alertness, improved mood, lower rates of eye fatigue, and a more positive perception of time.

In addition, natural light improves visibility and reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, which also contributes to the reduction of errors and accidents at work, especially in tasks that require visual precision. Hence the importance of maximizing the entry of natural light, since it impacts the employee well-being (and reduces the rate of absenteeism), increased productivity and a significant reduction in energy resources. All of this, as expected, results in economic benefits obvious to companies.

A few months ago we published an article about the new neural approach to architecture and how the work spaces directly influence the state of the workers.

It seems obvious but perhaps it is necessary to remember that the bright, open and well-ventilated spaces promote feelings of calm, motivation, and mental clarity. In particular, natural light has been associated with the release of Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that positively influences mood and emotional stability.

When workers feel connected to the outside world—for example, through windows that allow a view of the sky, vegetation or the city— tend to feel more inspired and satisfied with their workplace. This visual connection with the outside world, facilitated by natural light, also helps reduce the feeling of monotony and confinement often experienced in closed offices.

Architectural resources to integrate natural light into offices

To maximize the benefits of natural light, it's essential to incorporate architectural design principles that prioritize sunlight. Through the images we've used to illustrate this post, we've discussed some of these resources.

1. Skylights

Many offices are built on existing buildings, meaning they are not office buildings with glass facades that provide light throughout the entire perimeter. When renovating or refurbishing industrial buildings, for example, these two offices, a common resource is skylights that allow in zenithal light.

2. Interior courtyards

A very solution of the mediterranean architecture is to recover the inner courtyards of an existing building or, in the case of a new construction, creating a courtyard around which the different office areas are organized. Traditional architecture is very clever, and this resource in warm climates also allows for cooling the environment, creating a natural flow of ventilation.

3. Glass partitions

Without a doubt, one of the most widely used interior architecture resources in modern offices: safety glass partitions. Glass provides light, thermal and acoustic insulation, and has great resistance to impact and climate change. Another reason why glass is so popular is because of its ductility, as polished, curved, reflective, or colored panels can be created, greatly enriching the possibilities of visual effects in glass architectural elements.

4. Glazed elements

Not only partitions or vertical walls are susceptible to being glazed; also other elements, such as stairs, railings, cabins, etc. For example, this office would have looked completely different if an opaque or other material parapet had been chosen. The sense of spaciousness and the interconnectedness of the different planes would undoubtedly have been different.

Natural light is much more than an aesthetic element in office design: it's a vital resource that directly influences employee health, mood, and performance. Properly incorporating it into workspaces represents a strategic investment in human capital.

Photos: OfficeSnapShot