ABSTRACT

Recent medical light research suggests a number of new design opportunities for architects, interior and industrial designers. Bright light boxes that approximate outdoor light levels are now used to treat those with depression, eating and sleep disorders. However, the unfortunate side effect is a headache due to glare. As an architect, the author has worked on daylight design options that are less glaring and provide more interesting views than bright light boxes. However, daylighting is limited to certain locations in a building and subject to short winter days. This provides opportunities for both interior and industrial designers to extend daylight hours which allows therapy to be more integrally woven into everyday routines.