Architecture plays a significant role in maximising natural light in hospitals to improve patient wellbeing and reduce energy costs. For example, installing skylights and large windows can allow more light to enter patient rooms and communal areas. Fitting blinds with a special screen fabric, like the ones manufactured by Yewdale, help hospitals increase light penetration while reducing glare.

Screen fabrics, also known as translucent fabrics, are designed to allow as much light as possible to pass through without creating glare. Screen fabrics are ideal for hospitals because they can reduce glare and solar heating without making a room dark.

How else can hospitals increase the amount of light?

1. Building Design: Orientating the building to take advantage of sunlight and designing with open floor plans or larger windows can bring in more natural light. Glass walls or skylights can also help.

2. Window Placement and Size: Maximising the size and strategic placement of windows can allow more light to enter patient rooms and communal areas. High-performance glazing can provide daylight while controlling heat gain and loss.

3. Daylighting Devices: Light tubes or light pipes can transport sunlight from the roof to interior spaces. These devices use highly reflective materials to channel light, and they can be particularly effective for areas that are far from windows.

4. Reflected Light: The use of reflective surfaces can help to distribute natural light further into the building. This can include reflective ceiling tiles, light-coloured walls, or mirrored surfaces.

5. Interior Design: Using lighter colour palettes for walls, ceilings, and floors can help reflect and distribute natural light. Clear glass partitions instead of solid walls can also help light to penetrate deeper into the building.

6. Landscaping: Thoughtful landscaping can increase natural light. For instance, cutting down or trimming trees that obstruct light can increase the amount of sunlight that enters the building. Conversely, strategically placed vegetation can help to control light and prevent overheating in summer months.

7. Light Shelves: These are horizontal surfaces that reflect daylight deep into a building. They are placed above eye-level and have a high-reflectance upper surface. Light shelves can be interior or exterior. Exterior light shelves are an effective way to provide shading and reduce heat gain, while bouncing more light into the building.

Natural light is essential for hospitals and creates a better care environment. Studies have proven that daylight enhances patients’ moods more than artificial light.