Aim
The aim of the course is to give knowledge about light and colour as important parts of the human surroundings and the basics for good lighting and color planning. Further the aim is to give knowledge about light- and colour perception and about the impact of light and colour on the experience of the environment. The aim is also to present recent research on the impact of light and colour on human well-being and health and finally to apply the gained knowledge in a design assignment.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• have some knowledge about environmental psychology research questions and be able to discuss those issues in relation to light and colour.

• have knowledge on how to interpret and apply environmental psychology light and colour research.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• with instruction and supervision design and construct a product within the lighting area

• with instruction make a written and visual presentation of the design assignment, and be able to orally discuss it.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• critically analyze and discuss environmental psychology light and colour aspects in relation to the design of other products and environments.

Contents
The course consists of lectures that presents environmental psychology research about the importance of light and colour on human experiences and well being. The lectures are complemented with seminars and external experts on relevant problems such as different light sources, trends in colour and luminaries construction. An individual design assignment in a specific lighting situation is also a part of the course. The assignment is presented and defended at a final seminar.

The content of the course is the following:

• Environmental psychology an overview

• Subjective and objective effects of light and colour

• Perceptual psychology phenomenon

• visual and non-visual reactions

• preferences and trends

• subjective and objective measure techniques

• light sources, electronics an overview

• light design and user demands

• study journey

Literature
- Liljefors, A. & Ejhed. J. 1990. Bättre belysning. Byggforskningsrådet, Stockholm.
Fördjupning:
- Fridell Anter, K. (red.), 2006. Forskare och praktiker om färg – ljus - rum. Formas, Stockholm.
- Hård, A., Küller, R., Sivik, L. & Svedmyr, Å. 1995. Upplevelse av färg och färgsatt miljö. Färgantologi bok 2, Byggforskningsrådet, Stockholm.
- Hjertén, R., Mattsson, I & Westholm, H. 2001. Ljus inomhus. Arkus, Stockholm.
- Küller, R. 2004. Planning for Good Indoor Lighting. Building Issues, 14 (1). Lund University.
- Starby, L. 2003. En bok om belysning. Ljuskultur, Stockholm.