Architectural Strategies for Circadian Health: Evidence-Based Design Recommendations for Rhythmic Daylight in Healthcare Spaces

Abstract

The design of built environments significantly influences rhythmic daylight exposure, impacting circadian health and well-being in healthcare settings. Despite increasing awareness of the role of daylight in healthcare architecture, patient rooms often fail to provide sufficient exposure to dynamic daylight cycles, potentially disturbing circadian regulation. This study employs an iterative analytical approach and a comprehensive review of daylighting strategies to develop 38 evidence-based design recommendations tailored to patients' circadian biological needs. These recommendations focus on factors such as opening size, geometry, orientation, shading devices, and high-performance glazing, aiming to enhance daylight conditions in healthcare spaces. Additionally, the study identifies critical gaps in existing research regarding architectural features and their effects on circadian health, highlighting the need for more focused guidance on design interventions. Ultimately, this research offers insights into architectural design and circadian biology, recommending future research directions for developing comprehensive guidelines to enhance recovery and performance in healing environments.