Natural Light: Why do we gather around the campfire?
Natural Light: Not just the Sun
Last week we looked at how natural light changes throughout the year, day and where you are.
However, that wasn’t the whole story. In fact, we only covered how natural sunlight does that. But what about other sources of natural light? Things like:
Candlelight and Firelight,
Twilight, and
Moonlight.
Bush Telly
For those of you who have gone camping, you might be familiar with bush telly.
I have some wonderful memories of sitting with friends around a fire chatting away.
These days I derive great pleasure from sitting around a gas log fire (as I am too lazy to light a fire at home!).
But why are we attracted to the flicker of a flame?
A normal gas heater or reverse-cycle air conditioner would probably be a lot cheaper to run than a gas log heater.
Coulthard proposes that it might be because of our ‘evolutionary past’.
Fire was key to our development at a species. We could use it for
Light,
Cooking,
Warmth, and
Safety.
Thus it is thought because of this fire helps us feel
Protected,
Sociable, and
Relaxed.
Starry Starry Night
Fairy lights
Glow-in-the-dark stickers on the eiling,
Skylights over beds.
These things remind us of the natural twinkling lights such as
Glow bugs (which led us to water),
Glowing ashes of fire floating in the sky, and
Stars at night.
The Moon
Lastly, the moon may play a big role in our body clock and how we sleep.
The reason is largely unknown and the effects are still be researched.
Conclusion
Fire, stars and moonlight are all natural sources of light that affect us. They can make us feel safe, relaxed and comfortable. How can we include these in the designs of our houses?
Photo by Xurzon/iStock / Getty Images