A study of emotional reactions to light and colour in a school environment

Abstract

A field study was made of five Swedish comprehensive schools. Two classrooms per school were used for testing in the darkest season and the same ones were reused in spring. A total sample size of 400 pupils averaging 16 years of age was taken during two seasons. The overhead window test group consisted of 160 pupils in four classrooms. The other group with common eye-level windows consisted of 240 pupils in six classrooms. It is concluded that the observed sensation of colour changed with the quality and quantity of light. There was a relationship between the quality of light and the pleasantness of the observed environment. Warm was associated with the pleasantness and cold with the unpleasantness in this cold climate for both light and colour.

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References

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