Multispectral Lighting Simulation Approaches for Predicting Opsin-driven Metrics and their Application in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Design decisions affect the intensity, spectra, and duration of light exposure in built environments, which in turn affects the health of occupants. Recent research shows that the neuropic light influences thermoregulation and metabolic rate. The aim of this paper is to i) discuss design decisions and their effect on photopic, melanopic, and neuropic light, and ii) to equip the multispectral lighting simulation tool (Lark v.3.0) with new features, including the computation of the neuropic light stimulus. Sample workflows are demonstrated through a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) design. Results show the intensity of light strongly determines the magnitude of all light-induced responses, and electric light with specific spectral qualities can be used to supplement deficient spectral quantities. Design decisions for healthy lighting such as choice of glazing, electric light, and dynamic shading practices are discussed through multi-spectral lighting simulations and photobiological response analyses.