Letting Sunshine in Every Classroom

Abstract: When the media discusses impending cuts in schools budgets, it usually points to the consequences this will have for art and music programs. However, there are other, often unrecognized affects of decreasing school finances. For example, architectural decisions which involve the amount of day lighting in school classrooms may be affected and this in turn can effect productivity of both students and teachers. This paper begins by examining the history of the effects of delighting in schools, then looks at current research on this issue. It concludes by exploring the ways in which the socio-economic background of schools may affect their
knowledge about and ability to adopt day lighting.

Introduction

When an individual hears that their local school will be experiencing budget cuts, what usually comes to mind? She/he may think about the possible effects of these changes in art and music because that is what the media focuses on. However, there are often other important consequences in decreasing funding in areas such as school food programs and school architectural plans. In remodeling and/or building new schools critical decisions are made regarding the amount of day lighting available throughout the school. Day lighting can be defined as "the use of natural sunlight in a building through windows, skylights, etc. in order to reduce the amount of lighting and electricity that is needed, as well as to create a more nature and enjoyable interior" (Green Living 1). This affects the productivity of students and teachers. Decisions regarding the adoption of day lighting are dependent upon knowledge about the recent research on its effects and the short and long term economic costs. This can be linked to the location of the schools in the socio-economic stratification system in the United States. Schools struggling to supply their students with basic needs don't have resources for research and engineering to improve day lighting. I'm very interested in how natural day lighting affects student's learning abilities.

History of Daylighting in Schools