From Theory to Illumination: Crafting the Flow Light through Salutogenic and Human-Centric Design Principles

Abstract

This thesis presents the development of a novel smart lighting system designed to enhance the well-being, mood, and productivity of individuals in indoor environments, particularly desk workers. The project was inspired by the increasing awareness of light's impact on human health and the need for human-centric lighting solutions in office settings, with a specific focus on addressing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the lack of effective lighting in typical workspaces.

Grounded in the principles of salutogenic, biophilic, and human-centric design, the system aims to go beyond traditional functional lighting by integrating with natural circadian rhythms to support psychological and physiological well-being. The development process involved in-depth analysis, concept exploration, and multiple design iterations—culminating in a high-fidelity prototype that provides customizable, adaptive lighting to suit users' changing needs throughout the day.

The final design is a modular lighting system that offers both optimal light intensity and meaningful biophilic animations, enhancing concentration, mood, and overall health. It provides a unique blend of functional and aesthetic benefits, addressing not only the technical requirements of lighting but also offering nature-inspired visual effects that foster a sense of calm and connection to the natural world.

In conclusion, this project demonstrates the potential of smart lighting systems to transform indoor environments into healthier, more adaptive spaces. Future work will explore scalability, integration with other smart building technologies, and extended user testing to further validate the system's effectiveness across diverse environments.