Providing access to daylight has been an established principle of occupant-centric design for decades. Natural light helps stabilize and boost mood, decrease fatigue, reduce stress and regulate circadian rhythms. Over 30 years of research have shown that these benefits can increase test scores in school, boost productivity in the workplace and even aid in recovery in healthcare settings. However, unlike the aforementioned building types, airports present a complex array of user experiences, from the airport staff’s long shifts to short visits of flight crews and passengers, which can make it difficult to accurately quantify the benefits of natural light in these applications.
That said, all visitors can benefit from increased access to daylight. It can reduce the stress of traveling as well as contribute to staff wellbeing. Designers can provide natural light to terminal interiors by specifying glass curtain walls along the building envelope.