The influence of coloured light in the aircraft cabin on passenger thermal comfort

Coloured light is one aspect of modern aircraft cabin design. It could be used intentionally to influence thermal sensations: Coloured light may convey the impression that the environmental temperature is warmer or cooler than it actually is while still providing thermal comfort. A study was conducted in a light laboratory to test these assumptions. Subjects were exposed to different lighting situations, which were evaluated in terms of light and comfort. It was found that room temperature was perceived as being different depending on the colour of the lighting: In yellow light, room temperature was felt to be warmer than in blue light. Conversely, air quality was perceived as being higher and subjects felt more alert in blue light. All the coloured lighting situations tested were comfortable.