Let There Be Light—Or Else: Why Denying Daylight Is Costing Us Our Health – Ep 108 with Dr. Lorne Whitehead
This week on Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski explores the brilliant intersection of physics, daylighting, and human well-being with Dr. Lorne Whitehead of the University of British Columbia. A physicist, inventor, and serial entrepreneur, Lorne shares how a lucky mistake in grade nine launched a lifelong journey into the science of light. From pioneering daylighting systems and launching tech startups to enhancing human health with spectral design, Lorne’s work has quietly reshaped the way we experience buildings, screens, and even greenhouses. With wit and wisdom, he unpacks the power of “enlightened compromise” in building design—and why the sun might be our most underutilized wellness tool. Tune in to discover how light, innovation, and thoughtful design converge to make our buildings not just smarter, but better for humans.
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More About Dr. Lorne Whitehead
Dr. Lorne Whitehead is the University of British Columbia’s Special Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Research and a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He has held several administrative positions including Associate Dean, Dean pro tem, VP Academic & Provost and Leader of Education Innovation. He holds over 150 US patents that find application in computer screens, televisions and lighting products and has launched seven spin-off companies. He received a Ph.D. in Physics from UBC and has considerable experience in technological, business and administrative innovation. From 1983 to 1993 he served as CEO of TIR Systems, a UBC spin-off company that grew to 200 employees before being acquired by a multinational corporation.
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