Brightening Up Education: Maximizing Natural Light in Schools & Universities

Did you know that natural light can have a significant impact on learning and academic performance? Recent studies have shown that daylight is not only beneficial for children’s overall health and wellbeing, but that it can also improve academic performance. In this blog post, we will discuss how natural light affects learning and how we can use this knowledge to our advantage when designing schools, universities and classrooms.

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How Natural Light Affects Learning

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The first way that natural light affects learning is by improving cognitive function. Studies show that exposure to natural light helps students focus better, which leads to improved concentration levels and less distraction from other sources. This leads to improved comprehension of the material being taught, as well as higher test scores. In addition, research has found that students exposed to more sunlight during the day are less likely to experience depression or anxiety, which can further contribute to improved academic performance.

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Another way that natural light impacts learning is by increasing motivation and engagement in the classroom. Studies have found that when students are exposed to more sunlight during the day, they feel more alert and engaged in their work. This leads to increased motivation and engagement with the material being taught, which can further contribute to higher test scores and increased overall mastery of the subject matter.

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Finally, natural light has been found to help regulate circadian rhythms in students. When students are exposed to sufficient amounts of daylight during the day, their bodies are able to better regulate sleep patterns at night. This leads to improved sleep quality and length, which can further contribute to decreased fatigue levels during class hours and a better ability for students to focus on their work throughout the day.

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It’s clear that there are numerous benefits associated with exposing children (and adults!) To natural light while they learn. Not only does it help improve cognitive function by reducing distraction levels and increasing concentration; but it also increases motivation levels and helps regulate circadian rhythms for a better quality of sleep at night – all of which contribute positively towards improving academic performance in school or university settings. By taking these insights into consideration when designing educational buildings or classrooms, we can create an environment where everyone is able to learn effectively – no matter what season it is!

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So now that we’ve discussed the impacts of natural light on learning, the question is how do we design educational facilities that maximize natural light?

More Glass = More Light

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The obvious answer is to incorporate more glazing into school designs. However, doing so without compromising student safety and comfort requires more careful planning.

As school shootings have become more prevalent in the United States, schools are increasingly being designed to enhance student safety. Clear glass walls are less desirable because they give intruders a clear view into classrooms and student spaces. Yes they can be covered by curtains or blinds, but this takes previous time and requires getting close to the glass. 

How Smart Glass Enhances School Safety, Productivity & Design

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Enter smart glass. Smart glass and smart film offer a highly effective and innovative way to enhance security and privacy in any given space. The incredible versatility of switchable glass technology allows occupants complete control over privacy, transforming from a transparent state to a frosted one with just the flick of a switch. This feat is made possible through advanced PDLC (Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals) technology. This excellent feature ensures that individuals in any given space have maximum control over their privacy, regardless of the number of glazed surfaces in the area.

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This makes it possible to have lots of glazing in a school without compromising privacy and student safety. Read our article on how smart glass enhances lockdown procedures.

Privacy Glass & Film Are Energy Efficient
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When transparent, smart glass allows natural light through just like regular glass. When opaque, it obscures the view, but still allows two thirds of natural light to pass through. When the switchable glass is frosted it diffuses the glare from sunlight, making for a more comfortable learning environment. These properties make privacy glass and window film energy efficient alternatives to conventional window treatments. Smart glass also blocks IR and UV light, minimizing heat gain.

Create Dynamic Classrooms With Switchable Glass & Film

Privacy glass can also be used as a whiteboard when switched to frosted, making it an incredibly versatile design solution for the classroom. 

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Get Smart Glass or Smart Film for Your School Project

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Would you like to make your school, university, or commercial building safer while maximizing natural light and enhancing learning and productivity? Discover how switchable glass technology can cater to your specific needs. 

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Contact us now to get a free estimate tailored to your unique preferences. Unleash the potential of smart glass technology and improve the aesthetics, privacy, and security of educational facilities.