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Lighting Scenarios and Human Well-Being in Extreme Environments: Insights from St. Kliment Ohridski Antarctic Base

Authors Christina Balomenaki , Ismene Chrysochoou, Konstantinos-Alketas Oungrinis

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Subject Classification

ACM Subject Classification
  • Applied computing → Computer-aided design
  • Human-centered computing → Human computer interaction (HCI)
  • Human-centered computing → Visualization
  • Applied computing → Arts and humanities
  • Applied computing → Education
  • Computing methodologies → Artificial intelligence
Keywords
  • sensponsive design
  • human-centric lighting
  • circadian light
  • colorful lighting

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Abstract

Lighting is a critical factor in human well-being, cognitive function, and performance - particularly in extreme and confined environments such as space habitats and Antarctic research stations. Despite its importance, limited research exists on how individuals adapt lighting to meet personal and contextual needs in these settings. This study investigates lighting use at the Bulgarian Antarctic base, focusing on how inhabitants adjusted natural and artificial light to support mood, comfort, and daily routines. Data was collected through on-site observations, qualitative interviews, and structured questionnaires. Results reveal key challenges in current lighting systems, including a lack of flexibility, user control, and emotional responsiveness. Findings suggest that human-centered lighting - especially systems that are adaptable, automated, and user-driven - can significantly improve well-being and operational efficiency in isolated environments. These insights inform future design strategies for space analogues and extraterrestrial habitats, contributing to the advancement of human-computer interaction in space exploration through responsive and personalized lighting solutions.

Cite As Get BibTex

Christina Balomenaki, Ismene Chrysochoou, and Konstantinos-Alketas Oungrinis. Lighting Scenarios and Human Well-Being in Extreme Environments: Insights from St. Kliment Ohridski Antarctic Base. In Advancing Human-Computer Interaction for Space Exploration (SpaceCHI 2025). Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs), Volume 130, pp. 16:1-16:25, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2025) https://doi.org/10.4230/OASIcs.SpaceCHI.2025.16

Author Details

Christina Balomenaki
  • School of Architecture, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
Ismene Chrysochoou
  • School of Architecture, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
Konstantinos-Alketas Oungrinis
  • School of Architecture, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece

Acknowledgements

This research was made possible through the support and collaboration of several individuals and institutions, to whom we extend our sincere gratitude. We wish to express our special appreciation to the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, whose pivotal role in facilitating the experiment - through hosting, coordination, expert guidance, and logistical support - enabled the realization of this project. The experiment was carried out in the framework of the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition. We would also like to thank the Hellenic Polar Zones Society, the official organizing body of the Greek participation, for its support throughout the process. Special thanks are due to Laskaridis Shipping Company Ltd, whose generous sponsorship and continued support made the implementation of this initiative possible. We are particularly grateful to Efcharis Gourounti, architect researcher at the Transformable Intelligent Environments Laboratory (TUC TIE Lab), for kindly granting permission to utilize material developed for her research project titled "Habitability in Extreme Environments: A Participatory Design Approach to Increase Occupant’s Wellbeing." We also acknowledge the valuable contributions of the individuals who participated in the experiment, whose engagement and feedback were essential to the development of this research. Furthermore, we would like to thank Rosen Stefanov, Kamen Nedkov and Marina Velikova for their support in providing critical material resources that contributed to the implementation and documentation of the project. Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to Georgios Tsakyridis for his valuable contribution in text editing and formatting, which supported the clarity and presentation of this work.

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