Why Natural Light is Essential to Contemporary Commercial Buildings

In the days before we had electric light when we spent our working days toiling outside, we used natural daylight and the sun’s rays to determine our working day. Once artificial light became commonplace our bodies were fooled into increasing levels of work time and feeling as though we were constantly on alert. Working in commercial spaces means we often spend much less time outdoors. Thus there is a greater need to let as much natural light into these buildings as possible. How can this be done? 

Why natural light in commercial property matters

The environment and climate inside a commercial building space matter a great deal. Ever worked in an office space that’s been too cold in winter and far too warm in summer? Light is just as important. Too dark and no one can see what they’re doing. Too much light creates sensory sensitivities. Ensuring there is adequate attention paid to the glazing in a commercial building is essential. Not only that, but making sure there are features such as electric window openers for ease of access and safety means that fresh air can be let in easily, and protection from the elements is assured if the weather is less than temperate. 

Workers need natural daylight

It’s essential to have regular exposure to natural light every single day. It benefits our health and mental well-being - and workplaces these days are being encouraged to think about employees' health more than ever. 

A light, airy work environment is more conducive to higher levels of productivity, happiness, and engagement. Anyone who has to work in a dark, cramped space won’t perform to the best of their ability or feel particularly well or happy. 

Alongside this, natural daylight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which is essential to a functioning immune system and thus our overall well-being. 

Being able to look out of a window, and see what’s going on outside can help people feel more connected to the world, as can the opportunity to step away from their desk, wander around, and look outside. Natural light makes people feel less isolated and closed off. 

Our working lives have changed

In the last few years, the way we work - and where we work has shifted considerably. Hybrid-remote positions are becoming more commonplace, and workers are realising that the spaces they’d previously been spending their time in weren’t exactly adequate in terms of comfort and adaptability. Thus, employers are making changes to workspaces to make them more user (and work) friendly than they were before. A key part of this is introducing more daylight into spaces. 

Designers and architects are trying to find ways to develop the future of commercial design to make sure the spaces are light, airy, and easy to work in. Another key challenge that has arisen from this is the need to ensure enough space between workstations to make sure that everyone can work together, and it doesn’t disrupt the flow of light into the room or block anyone’s view of windows. 

The benefits of internal glazing to provide extra light

Internal glazing in commercial spaces is becoming commonplace. It’s relatively easy to retrofit and can be done quickly - with little disruption to any external features in a building. It can also be adapted to fit in with any existing interior design scheme set up (think about the internally glazed meeting rooms that are now cropping up in the middle of modern offices).

Glass panels, when used as part of internal office walls ensure that natural light can travel through an office space. They’re also a lot better in terms of saving space as they’re slimmer - which means office occupants have more space to move around in, this also enhances the feeling of having a spacious and airy atmosphere that many employers want to achieve in a commercial setting. 

Let the light shine in, it’ll make a huge difference to everyone in the long run.