{"id":12212,"date":"2020-05-28T12:01:15","date_gmt":"2020-05-28T09:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.glastory.net\/more-daylight-for-good-health\/"},"modified":"2023-02-03T17:10:01","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T15:10:01","slug":"more-daylight-for-good-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glastory.net\/fi\/more-daylight-for-good-health\/","title":{"rendered":"More daylight for good health"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a modern society, we\u2019re spending about 90% of our time indoors \u2013 at home, in offices or commuting. How is it possible to get access to daylight, when we can\u2019t naturally be outside? By making buildings more transparent. <\/em><\/p>\n

Sustainable buildings offer a combination of economic, environmental and social benefits. And daylighting is an essential element of sustainable building design because of its proven benefits for well-being and a healthy society.<\/p>\n

Turning back to daylight<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some European countries have already addressed the daylight issue by adding minimal glazing requirements to their construction regulations. The recommended optimum is around 30%, depending on the climate zone.<\/p>\n

Glazed surfaces in buildings provide occupants with natural light and a visual connection to the outdoor environment. Research shows that daylighting improves people\u2019s comfort, sense of well-being, and even mental and physical health. That\u2019s why architects are now designing buildings with optimized daylight, along with minimized energy requirements for heating and cooling.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dose of daylight for patients <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Because daylight plays such an important role in our well-being, it must be factored into the design of healthcare buildings and hospitals. The founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, recognized the importance of natural light in healing. Her 1859 notes state: \u201cDirect sunlight, not only daylight, is necessary for a speedy recovery. While we can generate warmth, we cannot generate daylight or the curing effect of the sun\u2019s rays.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although this old wisdom was eclipsed for a time by the advances in technology and modern medical treatment, the tide is turning. Today, numerous new studies demonstrate that access to daylight reduces the average length of hospital stay, speeds post-operative recovery, lowers requirements for pain relief, provides quicker recovery from depressive illnesses and even has disinfectant qualities.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Case: Kaari Hospital in Finland<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Kaari Hospital, a new extension of the Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) in central Finland, exemplifies progressive daylighting strategies realized in a most creative and artistic way.  Opened in May 2015, Kaari Hospital specializes in surgery, maternity services and intensive care.<\/p>\n

Two architect firms partnered in the project. Lukkaroinen Architects Ltd<\/a> had the lead role for the overall design concept, as well as the clinical and operating rooms, which are a specialty of the firm.<\/p>\n

Partanen & Lamusuo Ltd<\/a> took part in the overall design concept and was responsible for the interior design, covering all public spaces. The firm had worked on the design for the main hospital hall earlier, so they were chosen again to keep the same style for the new building. Most importantly, the firm designed the special Evolution fa\u00e7ade, a unique art piece that has made the hospital a landmark.<\/p>\n

\"Kaari