Bringing daylight to schools
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (professional degree), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This project proposes a new F–6 school in Norrköping, designed not just as a place for learning, but as a space that actively supports children’s health and well-being through architecture. Today, we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, and children often spend 70% of their day in classrooms. Natural light and access to outdoor spaces are increasingly recognized as essential to both physical and mental health. This design aims to bring students closer to daylight and nature—both inside and outside the classroom. Exposure to natural light influences our circadian rhythms, mood, immune system, and even academic performance. Morning daylight, in particular, can reduce symptoms of depression, support vitamin D production, and improve sleep and focus. At the same time, easy access to outdoor spaces encourages movement, play, and direct contact with nature—essential for healthy development. This school is designed to connect education with the fundamental relationship between light, space, and well-being. It places light at the center of the design—not only as a visual element, but as an invisible medicine. The architecture seeks to balance sun and shade, calm and stimulation, indoors and outdoors—creating a learning environment that nurtures both body and mind.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025.
Series
TRITA-ABE-MBT-25128
Keywords [en]
Norrköping, school
National Category
Architecture
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-366664OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-366664DiVA, id: diva2:1982779
Educational program
Master of Architecture - Architecture
Supervisors
Examiners
2025-07-082025-07-08