The impact of light and colour on psychological mood: a cross-cultural study of indoor work environments

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine whether indoor lighting and colour would have any systematic impact on the mood of people working indoors. Earlier studies have mostly focused either on light, colour or windows in laboratory settings. The present study was carried out in real work environments at different seasons and in countries with different latitudes. A total of 988 persons completed all parts of the study. In the countries situated far north of the equator there was a significant variation in psychological mood over the year that did not occur in the countries closer to the equator. When all four countries were considered together, it became evident that the light and colour of the workplace itself also had an influence on the mood of persons working there. The workers' mood was at its lowest when the lighting was experienced as much too dark. The mood then improved and reached its highest level when the lighting was experienced as just right, but when it became too bright the mood declined again. On the other hand, the illuminance as measured in objective terms, showed no significant impact on mood at any time of the year. The relationship between mood and the distance to the nearest window was bimodal. The results also indicate that the use of good colour design might contribute to a more positive mood. It is suggested that in future research light and colour should be studied as parts of the more complex system making up a healthy building.

Elusive corporate social responsibility (CSR) in global shipping

“…Like sleeping temperature, ideal levels of light are also variable and no one level of light suits all individuals (Küller, et al 2006, Caspari, et al, 2006. To experience comfortable levels of light it is therefore important for individuals to have some control over light levels in their environments.…”

Improving the Mood of Elderly with Coloured Lighting

“…coloured walls) on mood suggest that the right amount of ambient colour can improve the mood of people. Küller and colleagues [2] found that office workers which judged their offices as colourful experienced a better mood throughout the year than office workers that judged their offices as neutral or colourless.…”

“…How people experience the affective meaning of these ambiences is referred to as atmosphere perception. In addition, it is known that colour can affect people's mood [2]. Hence, we believe that also (coloured) lighting ambiences have the potential to improve the mood and emotional state of the people occupying a room.…”

Appraisal of the Visual Environment in an Industrial Factory: a Case Study in Subtropical Climates

“…Providing quality daylighting is desirable to support long hours spent in working spaces to ensure optimum productivity, task visibility, alertness, and positive health outcomes [6]. Research has shown that daylighting effects visual performance, biological rhythms, visual stimulation, mood, safety and, the perceived quality of the work environment [7][8][9][10]. For instance, the amount of daylight penetrating from windows into interior offices can have a positive influence on job satisfaction, support well-being, and relaxation [11][12][13].…”