A cross-cultural study on perceived lighting quality and occupants’ well-being between UK and South Korea

• Elements of lit environments can be designed to promote occupants well-being.
• The strength of the Linked Mechanisms Map model (Veitch et al.) and in particular, the Appraisal path is evaluated.
• The appraisal of daylit and non-daylit spaces is evaluated.
• Cultural responses to lighting quality are compared between the UK and South Korea.
• New pathways along the lighting Appraisal Path have been delineated.

The path leading from lighting quality through preference and mood to human health and well-being was defined as the ‘Appraisal Path’ by Veitch et al. This study aims to investigate the appraisal path under uncontrolled cafes, and to compare the results between daylit and non-daylit cases as well as the cultural differences between the UK and South Korea. A daylit café and a non-daylit café were chosen for the field survey both in London and Seoul. Then, customers’ experiences and feelings in the cafes were investigated by using a customized questionnaire, in terms of quality of lighting, feelings, attractiveness, satisfaction and eye discomfort. 66 customers (49 for daylit, 17 for non-daylit) were randomly selected and questioned in London and 102 customers (62 for daylit, 40 for non-daylit) participated in the field survey in Seoul. As a result, four different appraisal paths were found. No significant relationship was found between perceived lighting quality and perceived eye discomfort at daylit cafes in both London and Seoul. On the other hand, it was found that perceived lighting quality was a key determinant factor on perceived eye discomfort regardless of the cultural differences at non-daylit cafes. However, there was a significant cultural difference in factors affecting perceived lighting quality.