Natural Lighting As A Component Of Sustainable Architecture In Psychiatric Hospitals

Abstract

The integration of natural lighting in a design is a fundamental principle in sustainable architecture. This paper investigates the lighting conditions of psychiatric hospitals, arguing that controlled natural light is an essential and often overlooked component for achieving sustainable and restorative healthcare settings. The study examines existing psychiatric hospitals in Nigeria and around the world, employing a mixed-methods approach that includes fieldwork, interviews with hospital staff in Nigeria, and secondary sources for foreign case studies. It explores the multifaceted biophilic benefits of natural lighting, which regulate the occupants' circadian rhythm, improve mood, enhance productivity, and support the mental and physical well-being of both patients and staff. The research identifies that the current absence or inadequate control of natural light in many psychiatric facilities is an issue and has adverse effects on both patients and the staff. Findings from the case studies demonstrate that hospitals that effectively integrate controlled daylighting using strategies like appropriate window placement and courtyards are generally well-ventilated and well-lit, providing better views of nature, which is integral to the healing process. The outcome underscores that the strategic integration of controlled natural lighting must be considered from the inception of design for psychiatric hospitals to reduce energy dependence and maximise therapeutic outcomes.