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Design Research Looks at How Lighting Affects Mood by Jim Romeo

William Attardi on April 1, 2026

A 2026 study published in The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society is adding a new layer to the conversation about lighting design—one that electrical contractors and electricians working in commercial environments may want to pay close attention to. The research explored whether lighting conditions influence people’s self-reported mood, perception and health symptoms. Twenty-eight participants took part in the study, working in pairs inside a controlled room under two different diffused-light conditions: variable daylight and static artificial lighting. The test environment was designed to remove visual cues such as windows or outdoor views. Participants could not tell whether the light they were experiencing was coming from daylight or an electric system. Both lighting conditions met current circadian-oriented lighting guidance and delivered strong daytime illumination levels. The results revealed a clear difference at: Design Research Looks at How Lighting Affects Mood – Electrical Contractor Magazine

Can Better Lighting Unlock a Healthier, Higher-Performing Office? by Fabio Zaniboni

William Attardi on February 21, 2026

Outdated lighting can hurt employee performance—but replacing it with human-centric smart lighting systems can restore productivity while operating efficiently. Here’s how.

  • Traditional office lighting often causes eye strain and fatigue, negatively impacting employee performance and well-being.
  • Human-centric smart lighting systems mimic natural daylight, supporting circadian rhythms and improving sleep quality and alertness.
  • Data-enabled lighting provides real-time insights into space utilization, enabling more efficient energy use and workspace optimization.
  • Personalized lighting controls empower employees, enhancing their comfort and perceived productivity in hybrid work environments.
  • Adopting wellness-focused lighting aligns with standards like WELL and LEED, giving organizations a competitive edge in attracting top talent.

Can Better Lighting Unlock a Healthier, Higher-Performing Office? | Buildings

How Natural Daylight Elevates Occupants’ Health and Productivity by Neall Digert

William Attardi on January 18, 2026

Access to daylight benefits not just people’s bodies, but their brains. Here’s why—and what you need to know about human-centric environments that ensure people can enjoy natural light. Key Highlights:

  • Natural daylight triggers serotonin and cortisol production, boosting mood, reducing anxiety, and supporting sleep regulation.
  • Exposure to daylight improves cognitive performance, reduces eye strain, and enhances productivity in workplaces and schools.
  • Maximizing daylight in healthcare settings can shorten hospital stays and promote faster recovery.
  • Daylight stimulates nitric oxide release, improving cardiovascular health and athletic performance.
  • Strategic daylighting design is essential for creating healthier, more productive, and human-centric environments across various sectors.

How Natural Daylight Elevates Occupants’ Health and Productivity | Buildings

Americans in Their 80s and 90s Are Redefining Old Age by Amy Dockser Marcus

William Attardi on May 19, 2025

Dementia rates are down, recovery rates are up. Many are thriving mentally and physically deep into their later years. According to research at the Stanford Center on Longevity, older Americans report higher levels of emotional well-being and lower levels of negative emotions compared with young adults.  By 2034, for the first time in U.S. history, adults 65 and older will outnumber people under 18. Although more older Americans are living with chronic disease such as arthritis, high blood pressure or diabetes, Lachs said these statistics say little about the quality of these lives. No one now disputes the role that regular exercise, good sleep and a healthy diet play in lengthening lives and improving their quality. The market for more radical interventions for boosting health and longevity, including supplements and off-label drugs, is robust and growing.  Americans in Their 80s and 90s Are Redefining Old Age – WSJ

Remembering the Solemn Purpose of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday in May to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. The holiday traces its roots to the years immediately following the American Civil War (1861–1865), which caused massive casualties—roughly 620,000 soldiers dead, about 2% of the U.S. population at the time. Communities across the North and South began spontaneously decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags, a practice that gave rise to the original name: Decoration Day. On May 5, 1868, Major General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)—a powerful Union veterans’ organization—issued General Order No. 11. This proclaimed May 30, 1868, as a nationwide “Decoration Day” to honor those who died in the Civil War. After World War I, the holiday expanded to honor all American service members who died in any war, not just the Civil War.  In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to create more three-day weekends for federal employees. This moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May, effective in 1971, when it was also officially named “Memorial Day.” As one 1868 quote put it: “That Nation which respects and honors its dead, shall ever be respected and honored itself.”