Daylight and Airplanes — Healing Spaces

The new Boeing 787, assembled in part in Charleston, SC, is one of the most significant expressions of how a well-designed environment can balance our bodies.  The creation of space using light, color, sound and shape has enabled Boeing to positively influence mood, sleep patterns and to help reduce jetlag and claustrophobia for its passengers and crew on these aircraft capable of longer range flight (up to 8000 miles without a stop). 

Advances in industry eventually trickles down to the home environment.

According to Stylus, a professional trending organization:  “Lighting systems capable of changing the dynamics of the domestic environment are also on the rise.”  

Says Stylus:  “Inspired by the harsh psychological lows that can be experienced in the depths of a dark Scandinavian winter, Norwegian designer Daniel Rybakken uses light and shadow play to trick the mind into believing that the sun is shining. His vision of the future is anchored in the notion of a city where, instead of the lights being ‘on’ or ‘off’, inhabitants would be completely in tune with their environment, courtesy of lighting designed to match the rhythms currently cancelled out by artificial lights.

“A lot of daylight theory is very medical and technical in a way,” says Rybakken. “It’s about how much light you get in your eyes and so forth. But if you look at the difference between artificial light and simulated natural light, you realize it’s more social. With artificial light, the brain doesn’t receive any information on what’s outside– you feel enclosed in the room and alone in a way.  If you recreate the sensation of natural light, it will actually make the space feel larger. It’s not just about the amount of light, but feeling more free.

“Finnish lighting manufacturer Innojok’s Kubo Table and Bright light Therapy lamp boast a massive 10,000 lux of therapeutic light, enabling them to transform room in seconds. The company – which produces built-in lighting for work and residential environments, as well as consulting on the design of public spaces – is currently using lessons learnt from these products to develop mood-shifting light for retail, gym and spa spaces.”

Thanks to Stylus for this report.  Stylus.com