Li and Cao evaluated how religious practices can influence thoughts about naturalness. They share that “The naturalness preference refers to the tendency of individuals to perceive natural items as inherently superior, healthier, or more desirable compared to artificial or synthetic alternatives. . . . findings highlight the significant relationship between religious practices and the perception and evaluation of diverse sources of light. . . . by recognizing the strong preference for natural light among Tibetan Buddhists, architects and designers can be better informed about the importance of integrating natural light into the architectural and interior design of spaces that are frequently visited by this group. This knowledge can guide the design of spaces with larger windows, skylights, or other features that optimize the ingress of natural light. By incorporating these design elements, not only can the overall aesthetic of the space be enhanced, but also a strong connection to the natural world can be established, aligning with the preferences of Tibetan Buddhists.”
Heng Li and Yu Cao. “Then the Lod Said, ‘Let There Be Natural Light’: The Naturalness Preference in Tibetan Buddhists’ Evaluations of Light.” Journal of Environmental Psychology, in press, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.1023177