On the psychology of our well-being: 4 design principles

The right light in the right place - why lighting design is more than technology

Architects are used to thinking in terms of space, proportions, material and form. In doing so, light is often the last link in the design process - and that's a shame. Because light is not an accessory. It is not a closing item. Light is psychology. Light determines how we feel, how we function, and whether a house becomes a home.

At a time when well-being and mental health are increasingly central, light deserves much more attention at the design table. Not only in the form of daylight, but also as a consciously chosen strategy in fixtures, color temperatures and switching moments. Indoors and outdoors. Because if you understand light, you understand behavior.

Light is emotion

Warm light makes us calm. Cold light keeps us alert. A softly lit corner invites relaxation, while a brightly lit kitchen encourages activity. Our biological clock - the circadian rhythm - constantly responds to light. We sleep better in a home where evening light dims and morning light comes in.

Research shows that light deeply affects our mood and health. A large-scale study by the Center for Chronobiology (University of Basel) showed that daytime exposure to cool light significantly improves concentration and mood. At the same time, Harvard Medical School showed that high-intensity artificial light in the evening disrupts sleep rhythms, resulting in fatigue and mood problems. And recent research by the Dutch Light Institute confirmed that residents of homes with rich daylighting experience on average 10% fewer symptoms of winter depression.

Many architects know this principle, but still do not translate it enough into concrete lighting recommendations. The home is a system. If the floor plan is correct, but the lighting screams, the experience misses the mark.

Four design principles for light that enhances well-being

1. Think in zones, not spaces
Traditional house plans use "rooms. But residents live in functions: reading, relaxing, cooking, concentrating. Give each function a light atmosphere. That sometimes means several layers of light in one room: basic light, mood light and task light. Match the design of fixtures and switches to these zones.

2. Bring outside light inside
Daylight is the most powerful source of well-being. But it's not just about quantity - it's also about dynamism. Light that changes throughout the day creates a natural peace of mind. Work with deep daylighting, reflective surfaces, and sight lines to the outside. And consider shadows, too. Light gains value through contrast.

3. Think outside the facade
Outdoor lighting is often left to the landscape architect or the resident himself. But it plays a crucial role in the sense of safety, atmosphere and experience of the outdoor space. A well-placed façade spotlight, a subtly lit garden wall or soft posts along the path contribute to comfort as well as social interaction.

4. Light should move with life
Fixed light is passé. Smart lighting that adapts to the resident's rhythm is tomorrow's standard. Light that is bright and cool in the morning but warm and diffuse in the evening. Encourage residents to follow that rhythm. Recommend dimmers, timetables or smart systems that feel intuitive.

Therefore, the psychology of light is not a luxury subject - it is fundamental to how people live. And therefore fundamental for architects to do more with it.    

_{Source Article: Cajochen, C., et al. (2005). 'High sensitivity of human melatonin, alertness, thermoregulation, and heart rate to short wavelength light.' Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Basel.
Harvard Health Publishing (2018). 'Blue light has a dark side.' Harvard Medical School.
Dutch Light Institute (2023). 'The Impact of Daylight on Residential Well-being in Northern Europe.' - Delft University of Technology.}