Introduction:
Lighting consumes a significant percentage of all energy used in the United States. This results from a poor supply/distribution conversion efficiency of electricity into electric light. This vast amount of energy use could be greatly reduced through an increased utilization of available daylight. Many contemporary buildings fail to use daylighting adequately even though the financial, psychological and physiological benefits of natural lighting in buildings are now undisputed. Studies have shown that deprivation of selected natural light frequencies can cause depression and abnormal behavior which can lead to increased illness and absenteeism. The ambiance of a daylit environment for work or learning is simply more satisfying.
Integrating these understandings into the architectural design process is a challenge not readily met in the absence of technical support. An interactive assessment and evaluation capability can complement that process without adding substantially to time or cost. Ball State University offers this technical support to students and area design professionals through the facilities and expertise of the CERES Lighting Laboratory. This web page describes how this technical support can be brought to bear on your design opportunities.