Letter: Designers should factor in colour of light too

From Hazel Beneke, Banksia Beach, Queensland, Australia

Your look at the psychological effects of design reminded me of an interesting experience in 1988 (16 April, p 44).

The article mentioned that the level of light can affect thinking and problem-solving, but there is no mention of differences in the wavelength of lighting. At World Expo 88 in Brisbane, Australia, there was an exhibit that involved walking through a series of coloured plastic domes: green, blue, purple, red and yellow.

I wasn’t surprised to find the blue lighting was the most pleasant, creating peace and calm. But the yellow caused an uncomfortable feeling, and I was beginning to feel nauseous by the time I left it.