ABSTRACT
Life on earth has a profound challenge of adapting to the ever-changing patterns of light and dark created by our planet’s complex relationship to the sun and moon, which result in an intricate rhythm of daily, monthly, and seasonal changes. Over eons, all life forms have evolved systems that help them to predict and adapt to these changes. Similarly, humans have consciously evolved calendars and time-keeping systems to help them predict these planetary cycles. Understanding these cycles should be fundamental to any building professional designing spaces inhabited by humans.
In doing so, it is useful to understand the deep evolutionary roots of our human relationship with light. This is perhaps best exemplified by how one of the simplest types of cellular organisms, plankton, responds to light in the ocean. Terrestrial plants and animals have a similar challenge, and have evolved complex genetic mechanisms to help them anticipate upcoming changes in the pattern of light and dark. These mechanisms operate not just at the level of the individual, but also entwine entire ecological systems. Humans have very similar biological needs and physiology. Our buildings and cities should reflect this, and be designed to support our circadian health and well-being.
