1. EXPLORE – Understanding the Context and Key Concepts

Light and ventilation (Physics)

Light and ventilation are fundamental physical elements in biophilic design, directly influencing human comfort, health, and productivity. Understanding the physics behind natural light and airflow enables the creation of built environments that harmonize with natural processes, enhancing occupant well-being and environmental sustainability.

Natural Light

Natural light, or daylighting, plays a crucial role in regulating human circadian rhythms, which are essential for maintaining sleep patterns, hormonal balance, and overall health. The strategic use of daylight in architecture involves considering building orientation, window placement, and reflective surfaces to maximize light penetration while minimizing glare and heat gain.

Recent research highlights the benefits of incorporating natural light into building design. For instance, a study published in Frontiers in Virtual Reality demonstrated that environments with biophilic elements, including natural light, significantly reduced physiological stress indicators compared to non-biophilic environments ( Al Sayyed & Al-Azhari, 2025).

Moreover, daylight-responsive lighting control systems can reduce reliance on artificial lighting, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Integrating such systems requires understanding the physics of light, including its intensity, direction, and spectral qualities. For STEM learners aged 14–18, exploring the physics of natural light offers hands-on opportunities to understand concepts like light reflection, refraction, and energy efficiency.