Development of a Novel Architectural Design Framework for Supporting Occupants' Healthy Circadian Rhythm in Interior Spaces

Jalali, Mansoureh Sadat

Development of a Novel Architectural Design Framework for Supporting Occupants' Healthy Circadian Rhythm in Interior Spaces

dc.contributor.author	Jalali, Mansoureh Sadat	en
dc.contributor.committeechair	Jones, James R.	en
dc.contributor.committeechair	Gibbons, Ronald B.	en
dc.contributor.committeemember	Schubert, Robert P.	en
dc.contributor.committeemember	Tural, Elif	en
dc.contributor.department	Architecture	en
dc.date.accessioned	2023-08-25T08:00:32Z	en
dc.date.available	2023-08-25T08:00:32Z	en
dc.date.issued	2023-08-08	en
dc.description.abstract	Approximately 300 years ago, French astronomer, Jean Jacques became the first individual to scientifically observe circadian rhythm. Since then, a great deal of study has been conducted, and its findings demonstrate that every human action, including digestion, sleep and waking hours, hormone release, blood pressure, and body temperature, is controlled by a physiological mechanism. More critically, any modification to this clock may have an impact on a person's immune system. The sun's rays are diffused in the sky and contain all the required wavelengths to enable the regular stimulation of the circadian rhythms of humans, animals, and plants. People's health and well-being will be supported if they have adequate access to daylight. However, given the changes in the way of life of modern humans, this is not possible. Additionally, as the human circadian rhythm is greatly influenced by the short wavelengths of the visible light spectrum, the process of LEDification would increase human exposure to LEDs blue light, which might negatively affect their health and well-being. This research involves the development of a new architectural design framework to evaluate and support the process of creating lighting systems that maintain human healthy circadian rhythm. This process develops a model consisting of key decisions made in each stage of the design process and related knowledge domains to successfully integrate dynamic lighting techniques into the building design. The process explains the role of each member, the essential tools, and the flow of the decision-making process.	en
dc.description.abstractgeneral	Approximately 300 years ago, French astronomer, Jean Jacques became the first individual to scientifically observe the natural 24-hour cycle in plants. Since then, a great deal of study has been conducted, and its findings demonstrate that every human action, including digestion, sleep and waking hours, hormone release, blood pressure, and body temperature, is controlled by a physiological mechanism. More critically, any modification to this clock may have an impact on a person's immune system. The sunlight provides enough light for the natural stimulation of the human circadian rhythm. However, modern humans spend a lot of their time indoors and under electric light sources. These light sources might have negative impacts on human circadian rhythm and health. This research has developed a new design framework that architects and lighting designers can use to ensure a lighting system that would support occupants' health and well-being.	en
dc.description.degree	Doctor of Philosophy	en
dc.format.medium	ETD	en
dc.identifier.other	vt_gsexam:38155	en
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10919/116109	en
dc.language.iso	en	en
dc.publisher	Virginia Tech	en
dc.rights	In Copyright	en
dc.rights.uri	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/	en
dc.subject	circadian lighting design	en
dc.subject	architectural design	en
dc.subject	lighting design	en
dc.subject	health and well-being	en
dc.subject	interior design	en
dc.title	Development of a Novel Architectural Design Framework for Supporting Occupants' Healthy Circadian Rhythm in Interior Spaces	en
dc.type	Dissertation	en
thesis.degree.discipline	Architecture and Design Research	en
thesis.degree.grantor	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	en
thesis.degree.level	doctoral	en
thesis.degree.name	Doctor of Philosophy	en