Home / Current Issue / Paper 1709108
Evaluation of The Effects of Natural Lighting and Ventilation On Children Cognitive Development and Academic Performance: A Literature Review
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Environmental Learning Design
Abstract
This study looks at the effects of natural lighting and ventilation on children's cognitive development and academic achievement. Recent study has shown that exposure to natural light improves cognitive skills such as memory recall, attention span, and information processing, all of which lead to better academic achievement. Furthermore, proper ventilation is vital in maintaining indoor air quality, which is necessary for students' alertness, attention, and overall well-being. The study examined diverse classroom settings to determine how differing levels of natural light and airflow affect students' learning experiences. According to the findings, classrooms constructed with enough of natural light and efficient ventilation not only produce a more conducive learning environment, but also contribute to better student health outcomes by lowering fatigue and stress. This study emphasizes the necessity of optimizing classroom surroundings to improve educational experiences, recommending that educational officials and school administrators prioritize the inclusion of natural lighting and sufficient ventilation in school designs.
Keywords
Natural Lighting, Ventilation, Cognitive Development, Academic Performance, Classroom Environment
References
[1] Al-Jokhadar, A., et al. (2023). The impact of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in design studios on the comfort and academic performance of architecture students.
[2] Bakó-Biró, Z., Clements-Croome, D. J., Kochhar, N., Awbi, H. B., & Williams, M. J. (2012). Ventilation rates in schools and pupils’ performance. Building and Environment, 48, 215-223.
[3] Bajwa, M. J., & Dogar, S. R. (2024). Examining the Direct Influence of Classroom LightingQuality on Students' Learning Abilities and Academic Achievement. Pakistan Languagesand Humanities Review, 8(4), 197- 210.
[4] Díaz-Martínez, F., et al. (2023). Systematic review: neurodevelopmental benefits of active/passive
[5] school exposure to green and/or blue spaces in children and adolescents.
[6] Fernandes, A., et al. (2023). School-based interventions to support healthy indoor and outdoor environments for children: a systematic review.
[7] Fisher, K. (2024). The Biophilic School: A Critical Synthesis of Evidence-Based Systematic Literature Reviews. Architecture, 4(3), 457-478.
[8] Higgins, S., Hall, E., Wall, K., Woolner, P., & McCaughey, C. (2005). The impact of school environments: A literature review. London: Design Council.
[9] Hoang, P. N., et al. (2022). The Influence of Lighting, Noise, and Temperature on the Academic Performance of Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
[10] Kalantari, S., & Shepley, M. (2021). Psychological and social impacts of high-rise buildings: A review of the post-occupancy evaluation literature. Housing Studies, 36(8), 1147-1176.
[11] Manca, S., Cerina, V., Tobia, V., Sacchi, S., & Fornara, F. (2020). The effect of school design on users’ responses: a systematic review (2008– 2017). Sustainability, 12(8), 3453.
[12] McNeill, V. Faye, et al. Room level ventilation in schools.Ndimako, O., Babalola, O., & Ugah, U. (2024). Students’ Wellness and Mindfulness in School Designs.
[13] Sadrizadeh, S., Yao, R., Yuan, F., Awbi, H., Bahnfleth, W., Bi, Y., ... & Li, B. (2022). Indoor air quality and health in schools: A critical review for developing the roadmap for the future school environment. Journal of Building Engineering, 57, 104908.
[14] Vakalis, D., et al. (2021). "Can green schools influence academic performance?" Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 51(13), 1354-1396.
[15] Whittem, V., Roetzel, A., Sadick, A. M., & Kidd, A. N. (2022). How comprehensive is post-occupancy feedback on school buildings for architects? A conceptual review based upon Integral Sustainable Design principles. Building and Environment, 218, 109109.
[16] Zaniboni, L., & Albatici, R. (2022). Natural and mechanical ventilation concepts for indoor comfort and well-being with a sustainable design perspective: a systematic review. Buildings, 12(11), 1983.
How to cite this paper
@article{1709108,
author = {Favour I. Ilesanmi, Obafemi A. Ibitoye, Gbemiga O. Kukoyi, Olufunmilola O. Adenubi},
title = {Evaluation of The Effects of Natural Lighting and Ventilation On Children Cognitive Development and Academic Performance: A Literature Review},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {920-930},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709108.pdf},
abstract = {This study looks at the effects of natural lighting and ventilation on children's cognitive development and academic achievement. Recent study has shown that exposure to natural light improves cognitive skills such as memory recall, attention span, and information processing, all of which lead to better academic achievement. Furthermore, proper ventilation is vital in maintaining indoor air quality, which is necessary for students' alertness, attention, and overall well-being. The study examined diverse classroom settings to determine how differing levels of natural light and airflow affect students' learning experiences. According to the findings, classrooms constructed with enough of natural light and efficient ventilation not only produce a more conducive learning environment, but also contribute to better student health outcomes by lowering fatigue and stress. This study emphasizes the necessity of optimizing classroom surroundings to improve educational experiences, recommending that educational officials and school administrators prioritize the inclusion of natural lighting and sufficient ventilation in school designs.},
keywords = {Natural Lighting, Ventilation, Cognitive Development, Academic Performance, Classroom Environment},
month = {June},
}