Laura P. Thompson, PhD presented A CASE STUDY IN LIGHTING FOR STRESS REDUCTION : DESIGN IMPLICATIONS at IALD Enlighten Americas 2014 in San Diego, CA. Dr. Thompson's presentation focused on her ongoing scholarly research in the architectural design of domestic violence shelters with an emphasis on stress reduction for residents. The presentation abstract follows:

Light and human health have been extensively researched with a primary focus on the aging population. Human health, however, can encompass a broader spectrum of issues and applications such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Independent research was conducted with survivors of domestic violence to determine what architectural design features, such as lighting, most impacted the reduction of stress among residences in a Domestic Violence Shelter. The findings suggest design criteria not only for domestic violence survivors but also for other vulnerable populations.

For additional information, please email laura@archillume.com.