Light Year

Background:Sunlight is one of the essential elements that remarkably affects the life of all living species, supporting life on earth and providing an endless clean energy source. Many studies shed light on the direct impact of sunlight on improving wellbeing and health. Exposure to daylight is one of the most effective methods to improve mental health. Nonetheless, the lack of sufficient sun exposure could depressingly affect mental health, increase the chances of depression and anxiety, and cause physical issues non directly. The Ultra-Violate rays (UV) emitted from sunlight positively influence the mind and the body. However, not all types of UV are safe for human health. Studies on different UV have investigated, tested, and reported that UVB rays (a type of Ultra Violate rays with a medium energy level) are the type that is safe enough for treatment and skin exposure and help the body to develop Vitamin D, to boost mental health naturally. Vitamin D also regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, crucial for bone and physical health. Concept:Studies indicated that UVB LED lighting with a 293 nm wavelength could be safely used without risks even after 16 hours of constant exposure. It can compensate for lack of sunlight exposure and even boost an amount of Vitamin D 2.4 times more from sunlight. And since Maintaining “good health and well-being” is indicated today as one of the sustainable development goals endorsed by the United Nations. Therefore, this conceptual model is dedicated to developing healing atmospheres to support public health through using the UVB lights for healing. The LightYear Envelope is a transformative healing approach to the fourth façades through light used to promote public health to pedestrians in hot aired cities at all times of the year. It provides a UVB lighting atmosphere to boost users’ mental health during nighttime activities. It compensates for the lack of Vitamin D development from natural sun lighting exposure in the daytime. On the other hand, the sunlight-responding skin acts as a shading system during the daytime to encourage physical activities by filtering direct sunlight access for enhanced thermal qualities. The envelope is developed by a repetitive connection of flexible, self-supported overhead light frame structure units, enclosed with a porous shell and solar-powered UVB lights. However, each unit can be utilized singularly for bus stops, for example, or can be joined in sequence to host social activities or encourage walkability. 1-Project statementDuring summer, the city of Al Madinah Al Munawara in KSA deals with an extremely high-temperature issue that reaches mid-50 degrees, making daytime activity almost impossible. This issue led to active use of outdoor spaces at night rather than during the day to avoid heat and thermal discomfort. Consequently, health issues may occur due to insufficient expositor to sunlight. Quba Mosque piazza was selected for the LightYear Envelope due to its unique location and social and phenomenological conditions. The piazza is the final destination for a 3-kilometer pedestrian walkway that links the central Holy Mosque to Quba Mosque. It also serves as a social hub for locals and visitors of different ethnicities. Thus, this proposal may positively influence health while hosting various social or physical public activities at all times of the year.References: Development and Effect Analysis of UVB-LED General Lighting to Support Vitamin D SynthesisUltraviolet B Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Are More Efficient and Effective in Producing Vitamin D3 in Human Skin Compared to Natural SunlightDesigning Safe General LED Lighting that Provides the UVB Benefits of Sunlight