Exploring the Effectiveness of Natural Lighting on the Spatial Configuration of Selected
Health Centers towards Enhancing Optimal Hospital Occupants' Productivity

Author(s) : Adejumo John Adeola & Olakanbi Bolaji Abdulraheem

ABSTRACT:

The paper attempted to assess the effectiveness of applications of natural lighting with respect to the architectural documented spatial configuration of selected health centers. The raw data of the variables gathered though case study method and observation schedule(checklist) in the wards was analyzed with the use of descriptive analytical tools. The results show, among others, that the application of natural lighting, reflectivity/transmission of light which are more effective heat protection technique were totally at the lowest level of consideration in case study one, while skylight was substantially applied in case study two. In essence, the most potent natural lighting measures and some advanced natural lighting strategies that are quite effective at achieving productivity in buildings were noted to be absent in Lagos state general hospital Nigeria, where the least effective were seen in some instances. The study recommends that natural lighting both transparent and opaque surfaces of the building envelope will maximize the amount of solar penetration that induces natural lighting in both indoor spaces and building's structure. Architects must focus on natural light intake to enhance the productivity of staff and recovery of patients.

KEYWORD(S):

Natural Lighting, Spatial Configuration, Hospital Occupants' Productivity & Health
Centers