Martine Knoop · Lighting Research & Technology 2019 · narrative review · n=?

Daylight: What makes the difference?

Cited 240 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative review/overview of current knowledge without systematic methodology or primary human data.

OpenAlex W2969225258 · doi:10.1177/1477153519869758 · record verified 2026-08-31

What was done

This paper provides a narrative overview of current knowledge concerning how the characteristics of daylight influence visual performance, psychological and physiological health, circadian entrainment, and vitamin D production relative to conventional electric lighting in built environments.

What was found

No quantitative data, effect sizes, sample sizes, or numerical comparisons are reported in the abstract. The paper qualitatively highlights daylight's roles in visual performance, circadian rhythm entrainment, acute non-image-forming effects, and cutaneous vitamin D synthesis.

Why it matters

The paper synthesizes the biological and environmental importance of daylight to inform architectural design and lighting standards beyond standard electric illumination.

Limits

The abstract presents a broad expert overview rather than a systematic review or empirical experimental study. No primary datasets, study selection criteria, or quantitative metrics are detailed.

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