The elements of Sound and Light are both very essential in our built environment. By correctly incorporating them into spaces, they could determine our level of concentration; enhance the function of a space, affect our mood and etc. However, when used incorrectly, they would have a negative result, affecting our physical and mental health, reducing the level of productivity and etc. So how does human response to sound and light in the built environment?
Sound in an interior spaceIt is suggested by much evidence in the Gifford book, that noise could hamper performance by interfering with information processing, lowering ones perception of control and increasing stress level. Gifford also said that gender, personality, mood and ones intelligence could determine ones level of adaptation to noise.
In the educational environment, unwanted sound can be very distracting. A study conducted by Arline Bronzaft which measures the reading ability of two classes under different environments. The results show that the reading ability is lower in the classroom with the distraction noises from passing by trains. I had similar experiences in my education environment; I remembered I was very distracted by the loud noises from the hub during my interior design class. As designers, we should look for ways to prevent unwanted sounds from entering ones space, this should include all kinds of different environments not just in educational spaces. There are many ways of tackling such problem, one would be installing sound absorbing materials where it is needed, and another might be locating quiet spaces in areas of limited or distraction free zones.
Music or sounds on the other hand, could be used to create different moods within a space. For example, the resting chair inside the hub uses smooth jazz music to create a calm environment. In Spa treatment rooms also applies sounds to create similar results. They use nature sounds such as river stream or singing birds to help reduce stress level of a person.
Lighting
Light is a fundamental element inside an interior space. We need lights to light up a space so that we could navigate and perform. Apart from those fundamental functions, there are also different elements of lighting such as the color, intensity, location and types of light; all makes it a complex and essential part of the interior space.
Interiorly speaking, different color could be used to create different mood within a space, this is the same case with lighting. For example, green and blue hue lighting could create a calmer environment, whereas red and orange hue creates a more arousing atmosphere. I can recorded from my observation study at the Georgia Aquarium, that the interior atmosphere showed calmness under a blue hue of the marine.
The intensity of lighting is a very important element in determining the level of comfort within a space. Lights that are too bright can cause dizziness to people, and when they are too dim ones would feel very tired. The level of intensity should to design according to ones preference and the function of the space.
Many people suggested that fluorescent lighting might have a negative effect on ones performance and health. Furthermore, a report in the Gifford book shows that sodium vapor lamp could promote eyestrain, nausea and headaches. On the other hand, studies have shown that natural light helps to promote performance and well being and it is free. Keep in mind all those benefits, I like it is essential to bring natural sunlight into interior spaces where ever possible.
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