Includes threats to physical and mental health associated with inadequate natural/artificial light. Also the psychological effect linked with the view through glazing from the dwelling.
Impact on health
- Depression and psychological effects due to lack of natural light or lack of window with a view.
- Stress caused by intrusive artificial external lighting at night.
- Eye strain from glare and lack of adequate natural or artificial light.
- Discomfort caused by certain types of artificial light.
Causes
- The shape, position and size of windows and the layout of rooms all affect the amount of daylight.
- Obstruction of the windows themselves, by other buildings or trees.
- Location of the dwelling - wholly at basement or attic level. No views can lead to feelings of isolation.
- Siting of external lighting (street lights and security lighting) can cause sleep disturbance.
- Glare and shadows caused due to the positioning of artificial lighting
Prevention
- The layout of the dwelling, particularly living rooms, kitchens, and recreation space
- Adequate natural light during daylight hours. To enable normal domestic tasks to be carried out without eyestrain
- Windows of adequate size and shape. Positioned to allow for reasonable daylight penetration into rooms
- Adequate open space outside the window of basement and sub-ground level rooms. Allowing for light penetration
- Positioning of artificial lighting. Domestic and recreational activities carried out without eyestrain. Does not create glare or shadows
- Artificial light is particularly important in the kitchen. Particularly over worktops, sinks and cookers
- Windows wide enough to provide for a reasonable view of the immediate surroundings
- Sills in living areas should be low enough to allow a seated person a reasonable view. (Safety glass provided in vulnerable locations)
- Window heads should be above the eye level of someone standing
The view should provide for supervision of outside recreation space - For security purposes, a view of the means of access to the dwelling.