Study of Effects of Lighting On Social Interactions Within Cafes

Abstract

There is currently a lack of research surrounding the topic of how lighting can affect socialization in environments where socialization is a key function. This study aims to identify how lighting parameters influence socialization within third place cafes. Specifically, it investigates how the lighting parameters of glare, lighting intensity and uniformity impacts the desire, ability, and intention to socialize when visiting coffee shops. To test the hypothesis that Increased daylight utilization combined with appropriate artificial lighting levels for conversation, working, and relaxing and appropriate fixtures will create an environment that will support and encourage social interaction, an online survey was distributed at three coffee shops in Norman, Oklahoma. Participants were recruited voluntarily from the coffee shops that agreed to participate in the study and were asked to answer questions that related to their subjective experience of the lighting in the environment and how that effects their socialization. Responses to the survey were analyzed using a combination of Chi-squared test and Fischer’s Exact Test. The result showed that the hypothesis was proven correct through the findings that the coffee shops with a more uniform lighting environment and higher light intensity had more socialization taking place than those with dim or harsh lighting environments and discomfort glare had a significant influence on coffee shops that did not have adequate lighting environments for socialization or controls to improve the lighting conditions. These results suggest that coffee shops that utilize a mixture of daylight and appropriate artificial lighting for the activities taking place (socialization, conversation, meetings, etc) in combination with lighting control mechanisms coffee shops will better be able to meet the needs of an environment that is meant for social interaction and in turn create a successful third place environment for their communities.