Enlightening Micro Living: Integrating colour scheme and circadian lighting for sustainable well-being in student housing

Abstract

In student housing design, the research delves into multiple insights into the challenges faced by international students residing in the Helsinki Capital Region(HCR), particularly focusing on environmental design’s impact on the mental health and well-being of international students.

Existing studies have confirmed how micro-living space affects its residents, however, how compact living space in HCR is affecting and how to react has not been confirmed yet. To find insights regarding the current status of student housing, the study employed phenomenological methods, whereby qualitative data was collected through interviews with international students to determine the critical issues in their living environments. Central to the research is exploring light deficiency in the Finnish subarctic climate context, which significantly affects students’ psychological and physiological well-being. The harsh subarctic environment creates unique challenges, particularly regarding limited natural light exposure, which can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD) and disrupted circadian rhythms.

The research investigated the intricate relationship between current environmental design in student housing and student experience, highlighting how spatial constraints and inadequate lighting can profoundly impact the mental health, productivity, and overall quality of life of student residents. Moreover, by examining the nuanced interactions between light, space, and human biology, the study confirmed that current student housing designs in HCR often fail to address the fundamental needs of international students, particularly in terms of creating supportive and adaptive living environments that enable study and work productivity and well-being. Based on the findings, the research then suggested a guideline of light design that can be used in particular in HCR student housing environments.

The findings emphasized the critical importance of design interventions that incorporate circadian lighting systems, innovative spatial arrangements, and biologically inspired structures. A holistic model proposed here addresses the environmental stressors that are unique to HCR, where the new discipline is proposed and beyond challenges in architectural specifications, but also proposes a design that addresses the needs of international students in the unique housing conditions imposed by HCR. Ultimately, the research makes a strong case for an approach to student housing, both on a building and more holistic thematic level, to support human needs, recognising the tremendous impact environmental issues have on students' overall health and well-being.