Light-driven model for identifying indicators of non-visual health potential in the built environment

This thesis introduces a new approach to characterize and evaluate ocular light exposure based on the discovery of novel blue light-sensitive photoreceptors in the human eye. These photoreceptors are the primary mediators of 'non-visual' responses impacting human health, from resetting the circadian clock to directly alerting the brain. In recent years, studies have found that light at short-wavelengths is more effective than light at longer wavelengths at inducing and suppressing a range of 'non-visual' responses. Although it has been recommended that we approximate the spectral sensitivity of these novel photoreceptors with an action spectra peaking near 490 nm, the optimal approach for quantifying non-visual spectral effectiveness is yet unknown. These novel photoreceptors, in addition being photoreceptors themselves, receive inputs from the classical photoreceptors (rods and cones) that in return affect the overall spectral sensitivity of the non-visual system as it changes with lighting conditions. Due to this time-varying spectral sensitivity and the relatively slow temporal processing, the relation between dynamic external light stimuli and the magnitude of non-visual responses cannot be explained with a single function or a simple threshold value. To better understand these non-linear and unknown relations, this thesis aims to develop a novel computational method, based on recent findings about the 'non-visual' - also called non-image-forming - effects of light on human health. A dynamic wavelength-dependent model framework is proposed to evaluate the non-visual health potential of light. This novel approach integrates the spectral effectiveness of irradiation and accommodates time-varying spectral sensitivity functions. These time series of light quantities serve as inputs for the light-driven model, which accounts for light intensity, duration, history, and timing of light exposure. By quantifying light in terms of spectral effectiveness and temporal dynamics, different light exposure patterns can be ranked in terms of its potential to have an impact on human health. The final objective of this thesis is to support the design of healthier buildings by applying evidence-based lighting criteria, which can then inform architectural design through a simulation-based approach. Incorporating non-visual effects into a building simulation workflow requires a good approximation of daylight spectra as it varies with sun position and sky type. Performance predictions must also account for occupant behavior and scheduling, which brings us to the question: How can we apply such a method to make informed decisions about our built environment? The integration of the proposed model into a functional simulation workflow is demonstrated using an architectural case study but first the non-visual spectral effectiveness of light will be evaluated under varying sky conditions to analyze the model output sensitivity to input accuracy. The model and its application to the built environment will then be investigated using multiple view directions and by considering occupant behavior and scheduling to make an immersive prediction within a space. This novel computational approach can be seen as a first step towards human-centric lighting application, simulating an occupant's light consumption to evaluate non-visual health potential that can support decision-making in the built environment.

Healthy lighting: integrating non-visual responses to light into building simulation

María Lovísa Ámundadóttir

The goal of this thesis is to develop a computer-based lighting simulation framework capable of predicting human non-visual responses to light and to validate novel guidelines that can inform designers about how lighting might affect human non-visual responses in the built environment. The framework consists of four steps, including a mathematical model that accounts for spectral and dynamic variations in light exposure. As a part of the framework, different light exposure patterns are generated to simulate the effects of occupants’ actions, movements, and activities. The results are interpreted based on pre-defined design goals. Light is one of the most significant factors that affect human health and wellbeing in the built environment. Since 2002, when the first reports on the discovery of a novel type of photoreceptor were published, a new field of study started to emerge at the intersection of photobiology and architecture. The novel photoreceptors are the primary mediators of non-visual responses to light in humans, including synchronizing circadian rhythms and directly alerting the brain. These new findings emanating from the photobiology field have sparked a growing interest in the role of lighting design on human health and wellbeing. The novel photoreceptors contain the photopigment meanopsin. Melanopsin is more sensitive to short- wavelength light, with a peak sensitivity that is blue-shifted (λmax ≅ 480 nm), relative to the photopic visual system (λmax ≅ 555 nm), which is dominated by the response of cone photoreceptors. In addition to the difference between the photoreceptors’ spectral sensitivity, researchers have identified intensity, duration/pattern, history, and timing of light exposure as important variables that control the non-visual light response in humans. Considering the blue-shifted sensitivity of the melanopsin-containing photoreceptors, the current recommendations for lighting, which are based mainly on visual criteria, may not provide the necessary amount of light to synchronize important physiological and behavioral rhythms to the 24-hour day. Moreover, a number of recent studies have demonstrated that exposure to bright light can improve alertness, performance, and mood. However, exposures to light at night can disturb circadian rhythms, such as hormone production and sleep-wake cycles, and have been linked to increased risk of cancer. Lighting simulation software tools are designed to evaluate visual requirements and comfort taking into account the stochastic fluctuations linked to the climate and to the behavior of the buildings’ occupants. The evaluation compares simulated light intensity values on a horizontal plane with static threshold values. Since the non-visual system responds slowly to light exposure and adapts to changes in light intensity and spectral composition over much longer time periods than the visual system, the lighting simulation software tools cannot be applied directly to evaluate the non-visual response to light. The response must be evaluated based on dynamic threshold values, which depend on intensity, spectrum, duration, history, and timing of light exposure. Currently, there is no mathematical model that incorporates all five variables to predict the non-visual effects of light on humans. Further, the movements of humans must be simulated to account for the amount of light received at the eye. Thus horizontal sensors on a plane must be replaced with vertical sensors at the eye level that can rotate and move around. The importance of building simulations is growing with increasing complexity of building design and higher performance requirements regarding sustainability. New methods, created at the interface between photobiology and architecture, predicting the non-visual response to light are needed to support design decisions.

2013

Intégration des critères de durabilité dans le processus de conception des constructions temporaires à vocation événementielle

Loïc Vivien Fumeaux

Sustainability is a constant search for balance between the needs and the means implemented, which implies meeting the needs present without compromising those of generations to come. Later generations will indeed imperative to consider. So that their scope for action not be mortgaged by human activities of previous generations, it is necessary to provide some leeway, especially from the perspective of the built environment transmitted by inheritance. Alongside these general theoretical considerations, it is now observed a glaring mismatch between the rapidly changing socio-cultural practices and the very slow renewal of the built environment . Whether in the way to live or work , or occupy constructed in the need for research space flexibility , the frame is characterized by the notion of "impermanence" increasingly important, in contrast with the perennial character commonly accepted and implemented in current practices . Most buildings are built to last, but are part of a society where everything is changing rapidly and so are facing frequent shifting situations between form and function of spaces. In this context, the temporary architecture can therefore be a good potential to seek to meet the challenges of multiple time frames and offer a potential mutation. This architectural approach is thus fully in sustainability concerns mentioned above, since it aims to offer a potential for adaptation rather than fixed solutions. Aware of the extent of the issue and complexity of reflections on the question of the impermanence of the frame, especially in view of the nature of architectural practices, this work focuses specifically on a little explored area that day at the research for which the notion of temporality is short intrinsic data: the field of temporary constructions events vocation. Through an exploratory approach, research methodology convene an archetype of the temporary architectural design to examine it as an object of study that can ideally translate the challenges of a design associated with an approach based on time restricted use. The research first observed in detail these practices sometimes considered at the margin of the architectural discipline. The structured analysis of four representative case helps highlight their limitations in terms of sustainability. part of the research, evaluative approach includes the development of an assessment methodology, specifically adapted to this type of construction. The approach then proposes the development of an alternative solution, which optimizes its multiple performances in a perspective of sustainability and overall quality. Through an approach of "research by the project" an integrated design process (IDP), both interdisciplinary and participatory, is experienced first sketches to detailed development of a prototype. Finally, from the product of this reflection, research in general rises and explores many possibilities of using this new system. This approach allows to demonstrate the potential contribution of multiple functional areas, illustrating what could be the conceptual foundations of an "architecture of the event." The result is a research methodology both "multi-scale" and "multidisciplinary", which demonstrates the great potential for optimizing this type of construction and the need to achieve to grasp the design simultaneously at multiple scales and integrating all stakeholders.

EPFL2016

Healthy lighting: integrating non-visual responses into simulation framework

María Lovísa Ámundadóttir

Lighting is one of the most significant factors in the built environment that affect human health and wellbeing. In addition to stimulating visual responses, light induces a range of non-visual responses in humans including synchronizing circadian rhythms and directly alerting the brain. These effects are primarily mediated via a novel photoreceptor that contains the photopigment melanopsin. The spectral sensitivity of melanopsin is shifted towards the blue part of the spectrum compared to rod and cone photoreceptors used for vision. Therefore, making the most of the available daylight, which is naturally rich in the blue part of the spectrum, is a promising approach and might play a large role in lighting recommendations for health. Lighting simulation software tools are designed to predict and analyze the dynamically changing nature of functions that take place in architectural settings influenced by occupants’ behavior and the outside environment. Because non-visual responses adapt to changes in light intensity and spectral composition over much longer time periods than visual responses, they must be evaluated based on dynamic threshold values with regard to intensity, spectrum, duration, history and timing of light exposure. However, existing lighting design methods, used to assess visual performance and comfort, are based on static threshold values, and thus cannot be directly applied to evaluate non-visual responses. The goal of this thesis is to develop a computer-based lighting simulation framework able to predict direct non-visual responses to light and to validate novel guidelines that can inform designers about how lighting might affect human non- visual responses in the built environment. One of the main challenges to be addressed is the dynamic interaction between daylighting, occupants’ behavior and human non-visual responses to light.

2013

Intégration des critères de durabilité dans le processus de conception des constructions temporaires à vocation événementielle

Loïc Vivien Fumeaux

EPFL2016

Healthy lighting: integrating non-visual responses to light into building simulation

María Lovísa Ámundadóttir

2013