2024 - Healing Through Light

Category
Daylight in buildings - Region 4: Asia and Oceania
Students
Anita Chika Nweke
Ohireme Uanzekin
Teacher
Dr. Seth Harpreet
School
Heriot-Watt University
Country
United Arab Emirates
Download
Download project board
In a visionary fusion of architecture and wellness, emerges a pioneering concept: Healing through Light. Imagine buildings meticulously crafted as phototherapeutic sanctuaries, harnessing sunlight’s innate healing power. These structures not only illuminate spaces but also offer a vital dose of Vitamin D, serving as beacons of hope for those battling skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis. Natural light becomes a potent remedy, soothing inflamed skin and fostering healing from within.
Through this innovative approach, humanity finds itself enveloped in the gentle embrace of light, transcending mere shelter to become a catalyst for holistic wellness and rejuvenation. Just as homes provide physical refuge, clothes find solace on balconies, where they absorb the sun’s intangible healing properties more fervently than their owners. This symbiotic relationship between light and environment prompts reflection on the consequences of neglecting nurturing spaces, risking the loss of profound physical and mental benefits.
In areas like Satwa, where old Dubai’s heart beats, the environment is ripe for skin rejuvenation and care. Amid bustling roads and embraced by transit, patients find ease near healing hands, shops, and serene parks, crafting a holistic journey of renewal.
This project bridges the gap between healthcare design and natural light privacy, leveraging the Healing Power of Light through three key aspects: collecting light, containing light, and directing diffused healing light. By utilizing specific areas within the building as lightboxes to heal skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, the project identifies the optimal LUX range for therapeutic benefits. Recommended LUX levels for eczema fall between 300-400, with specified room LUX ensuring both occupant comfort and healing properties at 150-200 LUX.
More than just a building, this project offers an immersive lighting experience, governed by the intangible force of light. It’s an exploration of how architecture can enhance well-being, demonstrating the profound impact of light on human health and vitality.