Honors College Theses

Publication Date

2024

Major

Interior Design (B.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Beth McGee

Abstract

Classroom lighting design is important for student learning outcomes, and can have a negative effect on the physiological states of students. Interior lighting design needs to include appropriate layers of artificial and daylighting. Previous models have shown that artificial lighting can be altered to give off the same effect of natural daylight. Studies have also shown that natural lighting has a positive effect on the productivity of students in a classroom environment. Data was collected by surveying students in a classroom with no natural lighting to see how they felt in the room and if they have any lighting recommendations to create a better working and learning environment. The survey asked how the students felt during the class and if they were motivated to stay awake, complete an assignment, or collaborate with other students. Thirty-six students completed the survey. Most students found the lighting was satisfactory for learning. The quality of lighting was overall satisfactory, with the brightness the most frequent theme among the extremely satisfied rated item and daylighting (the lack thereof) the most frequently extremely dissatisfied rated item. Seating not directly under the lights was preferred and adding daylight was the most frequent change suggested. New lighting tactics can now be examined to help current and future students better perform in better designed classrooms.

Thesis Summary

The purpose of the research is to better understand student perceptions of existing lighting conditions in a higher education campus. Classroom lighting design is important for student learning outcomes, and can have a negative effect on the physiological states of students. Data was collected by surveying students in a classroom with no natural lighting to how they felt in the room and if they have any lighting recommendations to create a better working and learning environment. Seating not directly under the lights were preferred and adding daylighting was the most frequent change suggested. New lighting tactics can now be examined to help current and future students better perform in better designed classrooms.

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