Research projects that guide decision making for healthy buildings

Pupils perform better in math and logic tests in classrooms with large windows, a high percentage of windows facing south and adequate daylight control, according to our research into the correlation between daylight and productivity in classrooms across Europe. The research was done in collaboration with the UPMC/INSERM (Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Disease (EPAR) Department, IPLESP) in France. Another study, conducted at Endrup school in eastern Denmark, showed that pupils' performance increases when they are in classrooms with improved daylight conditions and good indoor climates.

Students’ schoolwork performance is reduced when there is insufficient fresh air in classrooms, according to a large study conducted by German research institute, Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP. Furthermore, the study shows that school children frequently work in classrooms with excessive levels of CO2, which are above the recommended range of 1,000 – 2,000 ppm. The study also indicates that many classrooms have adequate levels of daylight.

The Circadian House is a vision for human-centric and healthy building design. Circadian Houses allow their inhabitants to live in sync with daily and seasonal cycles of the outdoor environment. Circadian architecture enhances human health and well-being by adjusting a home’s lighting and ventilation according to the 24-hour day and night cycle and seasonal changes of day length.

A study by the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) looked at how windows and skylights offer benefits to occupants through different physiological mechanisms. It analysed how our mental and physical health can benefit from an optimal daily pattern of light and dark exposure. If we follow these patterns, for e.g. through an effective use of windows, we can achieve healthier living.

A study conducted together with Loughborough University in England, presents a detailed evaluation of the sunlight potential of spaces, by focusing on the amount of sunlight that can enter a room. Researchers involved in the study developed a new measure for this calculation called: the ‘sunlight beam index’.

We work strategically with scientific research concerning healthy buildings. Daylight and fresh air in buildings have a profound impact on the health and well-being of people. We engage in research into this because it is the foundation for designing and constructing healthy, sustainable buildings.

We share research among peers by writing papers for scientific journals and conferences, and by presenting our papers at conferences. Here you find an overview of some of the papers we have presented.