Natural light is one of the most valued elements in modern architecture. It not only enhances a building’s aesthetics but also has a direct impact on people’s well-being, productivity, and energy savings. However, many developers and property owners ask themselves: How can I increase natural light in my building without compromising safety or efficiency?
There are many possible answers, but in this case, we’ll focus on curtain wall systems. With their design of large glass surfaces and slimmer aluminum profiles, these systems make it possible to open spaces to the outside and maximize the entry of natural light. Whether in offices, hospitals, schools, or residential buildings, a curtainwall can transform an ordinary property into a healthier, more attractive, and more efficient space.
In this article, we’ll explore why natural light is essential in contemporary design, how curtainwalls have become the best solution to increase it, and the tangible benefits they bring to both users and the value of a project.
The Psychology and Science Behind Natural Light
Natural light isn’t just an aesthetic resource: it’s proven to help people’s health, productivity, and well-being. Incorporating it into architectural design isn’t a luxury but a necessity supported by studies from prestigious institutions.
In fact, when a company asks how it can increase worker productivity indirectly, many point to natural light and the warmth of the sun.
But does it really bring benefits? The short answer is yes, and here’s a closer look at why, backed by studies across the United States.
- Well-being and sleep quality: A study conducted by Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois showed that workers with greater access to natural light reported better sleep quality, higher physical activity, and an improved quality of life compared to those working in windowless environments.
- Reduced fatigue and discomfort: Research from Cornell University found that optimizing natural light in workplaces reduces headaches by 63%, drowsiness by 56%, and eye strain by 51%.
- Higher productivity: According to various reports, companies with naturally brighter workspaces experience up to a 20% increase in productivity, along with reduced absenteeism.
- Mental health and comfort: The World Green Building Council highlights that natural light is an essential factor for well-being, comparable to basic resources like water or air, and that it directly influences how we feel and our ability to focus.
Taken together, this evidence confirms that natural light is not simply a design detail, it is a key factor in building healthier, more productive, and more sustainable spaces.
How Curtain Walls Maximize Natural Light
A curtainwall consists of a framed, lightweight exterior structure, glass infill panels and partitions without structural function. This type of glazing has become one of the most widely used in modern architecture. Just look at most of the large skyscrapers or buildings that were created less than 10 years ago.
Curtain wall systems are specifically designed to open buildings to light. Unlike more traditional façade systems, they allow for the integration of large glass surfaces with slim aluminum frames that let in the maximum amount of natural illumination.
✅ Large Glass Surfaces: Oversized panels function as a continuous window that connects the interior with the exterior, eliminating visual barriers and enhancing transparency.
✅ Slim Aluminum Profiles: Discreet yet strong frames support large panes of glass without blocking the entry of light. This creates a modern, clean design that enhances natural illumination.
✅ Architectural Integration: Curtainwalls not only maximize natural light, but they also adapt to various architectural styles, from corporate buildings to luxury residences, adding a contemporary and sophisticated look.
A curtainwall isn’t simply an aesthetic element: it‘s a functional solution that makes natural light the centerpiece of architectural design. Beyond its benefits, a building with a curtainwall also looks modern and increases its overall value.
👉 You may also be interested in reading: Storefront vs Curtainwall: Which Is the Best Option for Your Project?
What Are the Benefits of Curtain Walls for Businesses, Architects, and Developers?
We’ve already seen some of the benefits of increasing natural light in your building or business. It’s something the human body itself needs. But what are the benefits from a professional perspective?
Incorporating more natural light through curtainwall systems not only impacts the aesthetics of a building, it also delivers tangible benefits for users and for those investing in the project.
- Energy Savings: By maximizing daylight entry, reliance on artificial lighting decreases, leading to significant reductions in electricity consumption and operating costs. This is especially important since air conditioning tends to be very costly in both summer and winter.
- Well-Being and Productivity: Environments with greater natural light improve focus, reduce fatigue, and create healthier spaces for employees, students, or patients. This translates into higher productivity and greater satisfaction among occupants.
- Real Estate Value: A building with a curtainwall is perceived as modern and attractive, which increases its market value. Tenants and investors prioritize properties with open, well-lit spaces. In fact, if you rent office space, it’s an effective way to catch the attention of large corporations.
- Corporate Image and Sustainability: Curtainwalls contribute to certifications such as LEED, positioning companies and developers as players committed to sustainability and architectural innovation.
Real Examples of Curtain Walls and Projects in the United States
Curtainwalls are no longer a passing trend: they’re a proven solution that’s already transformed the design of numerous iconic buildings across the United States. These projects demonstrate how natural light becomes the central element of architecture:
- Lever House (New York, SOM, 1952): One of the first fully glass-clad skyscrapers in the country. Its glass curtainwall created a direct visual connection with the urban environment and marked a turning point in the use of natural light in corporate architecture.
- 41 Cooper Square (New York): This academic building designed by Morphosis uses a steel-and-glass curtainwall that allows more than 75% of occupied spaces to receive natural daylight, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting.
- Prairie Hills Junior High School (Illinois): The south façade incorporates an aluminum-and-glass curtainwall that not only maximizes daylight entry but also meets strict fire-safety standards, proving that aesthetics and safety can go hand in hand.
- Wilshire Grand Center (Los Angeles): This 335-meter skyscraper, one of the tallest on the West Coast, employs a state-of-the-art glass curtainwall that combines transparency, energy efficiency, and seismic resistance, while also providing spectacular views and abundant natural light on every floor.
Natural light is much more than an aesthetic feature: it’s a proven factor in improving the health, productivity, and value of a building. And curtainwall systems are the best tool to enhance it.
Throughout this article, we’ve seen how curtainwalls maximize natural light, reduce energy costs, improve occupant well-being, and increase the value of architectural projects. They’ve also become a proven solution in some of the most iconic buildings in the United States, from New York to Los Angeles.
Ultimately, investing in a curtainwall does more than transform a building’s façade: it opens the door to a healthier, more efficient, and more attractive space.
👉 Contact us today and discover how a curtainwall system can open your building to light and turn it into a cutting-edge project.
