How Natural Light and Outdoor Views Enhance Sustainable Architecture

The pursuit of sustainability in architecture extends beyond mere energy conservation; it necessitates a conscientious consideration of user well-being. An important part of building design is the design of its openings to provide natural lighting and outdoor views. Natural light inside a building not only illuminates tasks but also helps synchronize our circadian rhythm. The increasing brightness of sunlight suppresses melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, resulting in the secretion of hormones that promote wakefulness. In contrast, the darkening evening sunlight helps melatonin production, leading to better rest at night and a boost to our immune system.

Natural light inside a building not only provide illumination to do our task, but also contributes to our health by helping to synchronize our circadian rhythm.

Equally important is the provision of outdoor views from within the building, a critical aspect of user well-being in sustainable architecture. Views of natural elements such as greenery and the open sky significantly benefit mental health by reducing stress levels. Scientific research has shown that viewing outdoor natural elements increases alpha waves, indicating a state of restfulness and greater relaxation.

The interior design of a library in an international school in Jakarta puts the reading area
along its massive windows to make use of natural sunlight,
allowing students to take short breaks and gaze outside.
The reading area provides sufficient distance to protect the book collection from direct sunlight.   

Awareness of human need for outdoor visual access have led to new regulation and building standards.

Despite the well-known benefits of outdoor views, regulations on this are relatively new. The European standard for assessing outdoor views was only adopted in 2018. In Indonesia, building codes require openings based on the Indonesian national standards (SNI) for the necessary illuminance factor, and the Green Building regulation from PUPR mandates natural lighting. However, neither regulation addresses the importance of outdoor views. The Green Building Council Indonesia’s Greenship assessment, on the other hand, includes criteria for visual access to outdoor views, ensuring that buildings meet social sustainability standards.

The sky gardens on the 12th and 20th floor of the Danamon Headquarter allow people to take a breather while surrounded by city views.

In PDW, we understand the critical need for incorporating outdoor views and natural lighting into our projects to enhance user well-being. We have incorporated outdoor views into our designs. In office buildings, access to outdoor views can be crucial for employee well-being. For instance, in our office projects such as Telkom Landmark Tower and Danamon Headquarter, we provided the common lounge area with extensive outdoor view. This space allows employees to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape, promoting relaxation and reducing stress during breaks. This design choice not only enhances the overall work environment but also boosts productivity and job satisfaction by providing a refreshing visual connection to the outdoors. 

Breeze blocks allow fresh air and natural light into the school corridors and give a unique facade for the school.  

Provision of visual access should consider the nature of activities within the building.

To cater to specific needs, buildings may require adjustments to outdoor views, particularly in settings like education facilities and factories where concentration is important. SDN 09 Pagi, a public elementary school, for instance, we strategically use breeze block walls as facade elements to allow light and view from the classroom and the corridor. The placement of the windows are also made lower to allow smaller students to see outside the classroom. Similarly, in our design for Konimex Natpro, where the nature of the work in the production area doesn't allow for outside views, we ensured that corridors featured windows offering glimpses of an inner court. This design choice not only maintains productivity but also fosters a connection to nature, enhancing the overall workplace environment.

Series of openings provide a glimpse of the inner court from the halls of Konimex Natpro Factory.  

Now that we know why outdoor views are important, it's crucial to ensure that these views are of good quality, rather than views of densely built urban areas or poorly maintained neighborhoods.The creation of openings for outdoor views should also be considered in the broader context of city planning and urban design. Integrating natural elements into urban environments is essential for enhancing visual access and promoting overall well-being. Strategically placing green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and green roofs, within high-density areas can provide much-needed visual relief and a connection to nature. This not only improves mental health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation but also encourages physical activity and social interaction. It leaves us with homework. How can we leverage these insights to shape future urban landscapes in a way that prioritizes human well-being and environmental sustainability?

(PDW/FTM)