Addressing variability as an expansion of naturalistic lighting theory for user wellbeing

This study is an exploration into the relationship between lighting and office occupant productivity and wellbeing, attempting to better understand how enhanced naturalistic lighting and lighting control might enable an environment that affects occupants positively. To explore the possibilities of this concept, a morphological research approach has been implemented to ultimately integrate the following three major lighting developments; human affinity to nature; accommodation of physiological, functional, and psychological aspects; and acknowledgement of the inherent need for variability and evolution. This study consisted mainly of two segments. First, through the review of literature, three key lighting-oriented developments have been identified; human affinity to nature; accommodation of physiological, functional, and psychological aspects; and acknowledgement of the inherent need for variability and evolution. No lighting solution that integrates all these factors has yet been found. Second, the study introduces the concept of enhanced naturalistic lighting and its control schematic, holistically combining all three of these key developments. Future exploration of interior design implications related to enhanced naturalistic lighting and associated control systems will be discussed to clarify how such lighting systems could impact the wellbeing of the users.