It could be argued that indoor air quality has never received its due attention throughout history. While atmospheric pollution has been considered a threat since the time of Hippocrates in 400 BC, becoming a tangible concern with industrialization during the Industrial Revolution, little is said about comfort conditions in indoor environments. This issue is increasingly critical given that humanity spends about 90% of its time indoors, and the quality of these spaces directly affects long-term well-being and health. In fact, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) encompasses far more than just indoor pollution. It refers to a balance between air quality, acoustics, lighting, temperature, and other factors that contribute to a pleasant and, above all, healthy environment for occupants. Under the motto “every space can be a healthy space,” Armstrong has developed solutions to help improve the environments where we spend the most time, such as educational and healthcare facilities, offices, and homes.
Understanding and balancing the needs of a space is no easy task. Each element influences occupants in a different way. Standards and certifications exist to verify whether an environment meets proper levels, and certain materials and solutions are decisive in achieving this. Indoor lighting quality, for instance, directly impacts our mood, as well as productivity and sleep quality. The amount of natural light, the type of light bulbs, and the lighting strategies: there are many aspects to consider, all of which vary depending on the needs of each program.
