Analyzing Natural Lighting Conditions from the Perspective of Biophilic Design in Indoor Office Environments

Abstract

The term "biophilic design" is recognized by some designers who coined a word for designing instinctively using fresh understandings, reasons, and views, which helps reconnect us with the natural world in the indoor environment. Within the various patterns that connect humans with nature, natural lighting provides an orientation to the day and night according to the sun's location and cycles, which is essential for human health and wellness. The supply and quality of natural lighting, including its influence on mood, have been extensively investigated and written about for many years in various locations and the overlapping science and design disciplines. This paper analyzes the biophilic design approach to mood for the natural lighting conditions that change according to the position of the office environments in winter. The selected two indoor office environments were located in the Faculty of Architecture at Çankaya University on Main Campus, on the second floor of the building. Office-1 overlooked the design studio, preventing it from taking natural lighting directly, and Office-2 directly penetrated the natural lighting. Natural lighting-based photos were taken from the selected offices during three periods of the day. The photos and a survey were directed at the two groups: Group 1 consisted of the students who took the Natural and Artificial Lighting Course, and Group 2 students who did not take this course. The experimental instruments analyzed their moods to evaluate natural lighting conditions.