Natural light plays a crucial role in the regulation of our circadian rhythms, which dictate a variety of biological processes, from sleep/wake cycles, our level of alertness and even hormone production. This happens because of a photoreceptor called melanopsin present in our eyes and which was discovered only around 20 years ago, making it a still relatively novel research topic. Moreover, our exposure to light is highly dependent on the architecture of the buildings and the cities we live in.

That is precisely what Circa Diem (“about a day” in Latin) aims to highlight with a structure designed and assembled on the EPFL campus this summer 2021. Set-up by researchers from EPFL and HEAD-Genève (Haute Ecole d’Art et de Design), it tackles the relationship between architecture, sunlight and the impact of their dynamics on human health. “People living in cities spend close to 90% of their time indoors and are usually deprived of natural light,” explains Marilyne Andersen, initiator and co-creator of the project, who heads the Laboratory of Integrated Performance in Design (LIPID) at EPFL. “It can make them feel more sleepy, less alert and even impact their immune system.”

Plus d'informations sur le projet ici