Ricerc@Sapienza

In recent times, the research in the field of non-visual effects of light has produced significant results, and the importance of the corneal illuminance for lighting design purposes has gradually increased. In some cases, it has been identified as the vertical illuminance at eye level, and its importance has emerged with reference to various factors, such as melatonin production. The latter has beneficial properties on the immune system, but above all on the regularization of the circadian rhythm, namely the cyclical variation of our natural and biological activities.

In this study, the conditions of visual comfort were assessed in an indoor environment intended for students. For this reason, a transversal field survey was carried out in two libraries, one at the Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) and another at the University of Granada (Spain). During the analysis, measurement of lighting engineering variables such as horizontal illuminance, corneal illuminance, and luminance was carried out at the same time. The randomly selected individuals were asked to compile the structured questionnaires voluntarily at both sites.