Abstract

Just as quantum mechanics has revolutionized our thinking about the relationship between space and matter, research in such fields as epigenetics and neuroscience are leading us to a new frontier in our understanding of the relationship between light and the human body. The recent discovery of a non-visual receptor in the human eye confirms the bio-energetic link that humans have with their environment. Lack of exposure to adequate natural daylight leads to disruption of the circadian rhythms, and has widespread impacts on health and wellbeing. Currently, our knowledge of how light impacts health does not appear to affect how we light our interior environments; instead, the primary driver of the type of interior lighting used seems to be energy consumption. The authors suggest that energy-efficiency is only one of a myriad of considerations for developing optimal lighting for indoor environments. Theoretical perspectives and research findings will be explored that suggest a need for a new, holistic paradigm for indoor lighting.