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Article

Biophilic design elements in protective structures for educational institutions

Viktoriia Dukhina Halyna Burlak* Liudmyla Vilinska

demiga89@gmail.com

Abstract

This study addressed the relevance of biophilic design principles in artificial lighting systems for educational shelters, where the absence of natural light and the confined spatial conditions can intensify stress and anxiety among occupants. The purpose of the research was to identify and substantiate lighting strategies that replicated qualities of natural illumination and enhanced user comfort in protective learning environments. The methodological approach included comparative analysis of sensory responses to various artificial lighting scenarios, evaluation of lighting parameters that emulated natural conditions, and examination of design techniques used in controlled, windowless environments. Special attention was given to the role of light intensity, colour temperature, distribution, and temporal dynamics in shaping spatial perception and emotional stability. It was analysed educational shelters in Mykolaiv Lyceum No. 55, Bilohorodka Lyceum No. 2, and the supporting gymnasium in Nizhyn, which were selected for their operational status and representative spatial characteristics. While these facilities demonstrated a comparatively high level of technical organisation and regulatory compliance, analysis revealed deficiencies attributable to the complete absence of natural daylight, limited visual connectivity with the exterior, and the spatial dominance of reinforced concrete enclosures. The research results demonstrated that artificial lighting systems incorporating soft diffusion, gradual transitions, and circadian-inspired dynamics significantly improved spatial perception, reduced psychological discomfort, and promoted a sense of safety in enclosed shelters. Systems that simulated daylight patterns through controlled brightness shifts and natural-tone spectra were found to be particularly effective in lowering stress indicators and maintaining cognitive performance during prolonged occupancy. Integration of biophilic lighting elements contributed to the functional transformation of protective structures, making them suitable not only for emergency use but also for extended educational activities. The practical value of this study lain in developing design guidelines for integrating biophilic lighting into educational shelters, thereby enhancing their functional resilience and supporting users’ psychological well-being

Keywords

natural daylight; artificial lighting; psychological comfort; shelter architecture; safety; dynamic lighting

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Received 19.01.2026, Revised 13.04.2026, Accepted 02.06.2026 Published 22.06.2026

Retrieved from Vol. 12, No. 2, 2026

Suggested citation

Dukhina, V., Burlak, H., & Vilinska, L. (2026). Biophilic design elements in protective structures for educational institutions. Architectural Studies, 12(2), 9-18. https://doi.org/10.56318/as/2.2026.01

https://doi.org/10.56318/as/2.2026.01

Pages 9-18

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ISSN 2411-801X e-ISSN 2786-7374  UDC 71;72
DOI: 10.56318/as