Light as a Factor in Health and Quality of Life – Integration of Natural Light and Human Centric Lighting in Architectural Design of Interiors in Residential Buildings

The article analyses the role of light in residential interior design from historical, technological, and contemporary perspectives, with particular emphasis on the integration of natural and artificial light within the framework of Human Centric Lighting (HCL). It presents the evolution of approaches to light – from ancient principles of building orientation, through nineteenth-century hygienic reforms and modernist postulates, to contemporary technical regulations and lighting quality standards. The development of artificial lighting is discussed, from incandescent and fluorescent lamps to modern LED systems, highlighting their impact on visual comfort, human psychology, and health. A central focus is given to the HCL concept, which involves adjusting lighting parameters to the circadian rhythm and integrating daylight with artificial light to support users’ health and well-being. Based on this framework, a set of design guidelines for residential environments is formulated, covering urban, architectural, and technological aspects. The article emphasises the importance of dynamic lighting scenarios, personalised solutions, and protection against blue light exposure at night. It argues that the integration of natural light and HCL represents one of the key directions in twenty-first-century residential design, in which light serves not only a functional role but also biological, psychological, and aesthetic purposes.