Graham Waldon

April 24, 2001

CS377c Assignment 2

Sunlight is a simple thing to have in a room. All you need is a window. However, for such a simple feature, sunlight enhances rooms and buildings in many ways.

Sunlight, or lack thereof, is known to affect people emotionally. For instance, people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) become depressed during the winter months, more so as the amount of daylight decreases. The return of sunlight in the summer reverses this, so it would seem reasonable to have as much access to sunlight as possible, year round. Sunlit rooms are also simply more friendly and inviting in appearance than dark ones.

Generously windowed rooms also provide a greater feeling of connectedness with the world outside the building. It increases comfort and security to be aware of the time of day, the weather, etc. from natural, environmental cues, even when you are cozily tucked away inside. My father used to have a house with a small, interior, windowless room that he converted into a guest room. It was always slightly disorienting to come out of that room after spending any length of time in it.

Ideally, in a room with a window, electric lights should be optional during the daytime (at least on sunny days). This has the obvious benefit of reducing energy consumption. Also, it can be more convenient and comfortable to have consistent, natural lighting without having to flip a switch every time you pass through or move between rooms.

Bright, well-lit rooms can also be easier to keep clean and free of clutter. A dark hallway with inadequate or inconvenient lighting can gradually becoming a "temporary" holding place for items without a home, or things intended to be taken to the garage later.

Therefore:

Provide every room with at least one window in each external wall. For rooms that are entirely internal, such as hallways and bathrooms, install a skylight.