The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

The Impact of Daylight on Emotional Responses in Residential Spaces of Tabriz City

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2025.488090.5705
Volume 22, Issue 142
April 2025
Pages 71-82
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Golnaz Ghayyoumi Ilkhchi 1
Minou Gharehbaglou 2
Aida Maleki 3

1 M. A. in Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism Tabriz Islamic Art University, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: Light is the primary parameter in establishing a visual relationship between humans and their surroundings. Without it, many of our daily activities would not be possible in modern conditions. Studies indicate that daylight conditions in various indoor spaces influence the emotional responses of occupants. Since people today spend most of their time at home and in indoor environments, and they have both physical and psychological needs for daylight, architects must have the necessary knowledge about daylight and its relationship with emotional responses. However, studies in this field are limited, and existing research has been conducted in different geographic latitudes with varying lighting qualities.
Research objective: This study aims to identify the key daylight factors affecting the emotional responses of residents in Tabriz city, examining the influence of gender, age, and housing type. Additionally, it explores the impact of window orientation and dimensions on residents’ emotional responses.
Research method: This study employed a survey research method and image processing of a sample residential unit in Tabriz using the Revit software in a simulated environment. The standardized Pratt and Russell questionnaire was used for assessment. Demographic characteristics, experimental conditions, and participant perceptions were then analyzed.
Conclusion: Results indicate that two factors—window size and orientation—significantly impact residents’ emotional responses. In the north and east orientations, increasing window size generally enhances residents’ vitality. However, in the south orientation, increasing window size tends to reduce overall vitality. Additionally, there is a minor significant relationship between gender, age, and emotional responses to daylight. The type of housing does not affect emotional responses to daylight.

Keywords

Light
Emotional Response
Interior Space
Housing
Light Orientation
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