Measuring Biophilic Design Impacts: Daylight Exposure and Circadian Rhythm in Work Settings

Abstract

The increasing emphasis on integrating natural elements into interior spaces has made biophilic design a prominent approach in interior architecture, architecture, and design disciplines. This orientation has been further strengthened by the increased focus on nature in the post-COVID-19 era. In this context, sustainability concerns and biophilic strategies have gained greater importance in interior spaces, with daylight and natural lighting emerging as fundamental design parameters. Although the relationship between daylight exposure and human well-being has been widely discussed, differences and uncertainties in the definition of biophilic design have created a research environment dominated by qualitative approaches, limiting the transferability and practical applicability of findings to daylight-focused interior design in the workplace. Previous studies emphasize that the circadian rhythm is strongly regulated by exposure to daylight and is a critical factor affecting health, well-being, productivity, and sleep patterns throughout the life cycle in the workplace. Addressing these limitations, this study investigates the interaction between daylight, circadian rhythm, and biophilic design through a more objective and generalizable framework supported by mobile technologies. Data were analyzed using evidence-based research methods and contemporary technological tools, enabling a more unbiased assessment of biophilic design performance. The results demonstrate that increased exposure to daylight positively affects circadian regulation and improves sleep quality, particularly in terms of REM and deep sleep, thereby reinforcing the role of daylight in indoor work environments in supporting well-being and mood. Overall, the findings contribute to a clearer understanding of the connections between daylight conditions in indoor work environments and participants' circadian rhythms, offering implications for future research methodologies and design-oriented applications.