There is a wide body of research evidencing the profound impact that daylighting can have on human performance. However, did you know that children under 18 have a higher sensitivity to light than adults, and the lighting quality can have a notable effect on their learning rates, mood and activity levels in and out of school hours?
In this article, we’ll explore why daylighting is so fundamental for effective education and sports facilities, the considerations that must be factored into specifications, and how some schools in the Unites States are creating inspiring facilities for their students.
In 1999, Heschong Mahone Group released the results of its landmark study into the connection between daylighting levels in classrooms and academic achievement.
The study examined 21,000 records, and daylighting conditions in over 2,000 classrooms. It showed students in spaces with high levels of daylight progressed 20% faster in math + 26% faster on reading tests than those with the least amount.
From here, the body of studies into how exposure to natural light can positively influence student health, wellbeing and performance has grown, further compounded by research in other settings such as workplaces and healthcare facilities. For example, research has shown that students demonstrate significantly higher oral reading fluency when exposed to high intensity light, with especially positive results for students that could be considered ‘at risk.’
Students exposed to the natural colors and rhythms of daylight are also less likely to make errors and show higher levels of concentration.
All these things are easily transferrable to sports facilities, which require students to demonstrate considerable readiness to engage with their surroundings and peers. Incorporating natural daylighting strategies can also help to create bright, energetic spaces that set a positive tone for both the participants and spectators of all kinds of exciting indoor sports — from basketball to gymnastics.
There are several reasons why daylighting and education go hand in hand:
1 Mead, M. N. (2008). Benefits of sunlight: A bright spot for human health. Environmental Health Perspectives, 116(4), A160-A167.
Penckofer, S., Kouba, J., Byrn, M., & Estwing Ferrans, C. (2010). Vitamin D and depression: where is all the sunshine?. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 31(6), 385-393.
Natural light is extremely variable and requires careful management. While electric lighting can help meet the demand in times of low light, excessive levels of sunlight can cause disruptive glare.
Excessive sunlight can result in teachers having to pull down blinds and turn on lights, and in sports facilities it may render the space unsafe. Daylight solutions can be specified with translucent glazing or blinds to reduce glare and shadows.
Too much direct sunlight can cause ‘hotspots’ which can be uncomfortable for students and teachers - and lead to opening windows, causing thermal or acoustic disruption.
Choosing skylights or tubular daylighting devices (TDDs) with glazing that can limit heat gain, or incorporating shading methods into the design of the building — either via dedicated solutions or landscaping strategies — can help prevent this issue.
With their heavy usage, education and sports facilities have to work hard, so it's vital they remain safe structures, offering protection from the elements while meeting local code requirements.
Daylighting systems need to stand up to use and abuse from students, sporting activities and more. When adding daylight to a hallway, classroom, gym or natatorium, consider both the glazing material and system placement for optimal performance.
In addition to being structurally sound, it is also important that the chosen daylighting products can provide reliable high quality light transmission for their lifetime.
Ensure systems are regularly cleaned and specify UV-resistant systems to help maintain light transmission and light quality. Studies show perception of colors and shades can lead to reduced energy, negative moods and lower productivity in students.
Daylighting solutions should enhance the overall design scheme, enhancing the look and feel to create inspiring spaces for personal development— whether that’s in the classroom or on the court.
With a wide range of both wall light, skylight and tubular daylighting options, designers have the freedom to find the best options to fit within their project’s aims, architectural context and desired aesthetic.
The New London Educational Learning Center (ELC) was specifically designed to provide up to 50 students with additional learning and behavioral needs with a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment to learn and play.
Ensuring effective daylighting throughout the learning and sports facilities was central to this strategy. However, there were several challenges to overcome, such as how to bring in daylight to spaces where traditional windows or skylights were not viable and — most critically — how to illuminate the recreation area which also serves as the building’s storm shelter.
The design team, led by Hay Dobbs Architects and BCI Construction, collaborated closely with Solatube distributor Daylight Specialists to integrate 12 Solatube SolaMaster 750 DS-O TDDs in the gym.
The 750 DS-O complies with Minnesota’s strict building codes, meeting both ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 standards. This makes it the optimal choice for storm shelters, with no need for costly protective measures.
"I found myself looking for a light switch to turn off before realizing the brightness was simply natural daylight!” BCI Construction’s Project Manager, Jennifer Colton
In addition to meeting the required structural standards, the Solatube TDDs allowed each space to be infused with diffused daylight, whilst blocking out UV-rays — a vital consideration for UV sensitive students.
PBWS Architects created a comprehensive modernization of Grover Cleveland Senior High School, transforming the 1961 campus into a contemporary and light-filled 21st-century learning environment that pays homage to its mid-century heritage while improving campus life for both students and faculty through biophilic design—all while meeting the school district’s stringent requirements for security, ease of maintenance and durability.
To assist in bringing natural light into the new spaces, as well as being true to the biophilic design goals, PBWS Architects used Kingspan Light + Air’s UniQuad® wall systems, QuadSpan™ translucent skylights and Briteway® canopies alongside other materials.
These modern systems helped create clean lines that complement the facility's external geometric design while providing effective daylighting throughout the campus. The design team also used UniQuad® wall systems around classrooms and seating areas where students will congregate to provide ample natural lighting without excessive glare.
Kingspan Light + Air products are engineered for long-term durability and can be custom designed to fit your project’s needs, including easy maintenance. The translucent walls and skylights feature removable skin technology, which is particularly useful in situations where access to a system is limited or challenging. With removable skin technology, individual exterior or interior panels can be removed and replaced without disturbing the surrounding panels or structure—making maintenance and replacement easier.
By utilizing translucent wall, skylight and canopy systems, the campus is illuminated with soft, diffused natural light.
Translucent panel systems help students and teachers avoid harsh glare and heat caused by direct sunlight, while an exterior canopy shields students, faculty and staff from the weather while creating a bright and welcoming multi-use space.