In Indian cities today, life largely unfolds indoors. Between long work hours, traffic congestion, high-rise living, and compact layouts, many people move from one enclosed space to another with minimal
exposure to natural daylight. Homes are designed to maximise usable space, offices prioritise efficiency but access to sunlight has quietly taken a back seat.
“This shift has a direct impact on how we feel every single day,” says Ishat Jain, co-founder, SUNROOOF. “Light isn’t just about visibility; it’s about how our bodies function within a space.”
Natural light plays a critical role in both mental and physical wellbeing. According to Ishat Jain, sunlight helps regulate serotonin, a key chemical that influences mood, focus, sleep cycles, digestion, and overall energy levels. “When spaces receive enough daylight, people feel more alert, emotionally balanced, and grounded,” he explains. “When they don’t, even ordinary days can start to feel heavier and more exhausting.”
In many Indian urban homes, windows are often small, blocked by neighbouring buildings, or kept covered to manage heat. Offices, meanwhile, rely heavily on artificial lighting throughout the day, regardless of the time or conditions outside. While this may appear practical, Ishat Jain points out that it disconnects the body from natural daylight rhythms. “Artificial light, no matter how advanced, cannot fully replace the biological benefits of sunlight,” he says. “That’s why natural light needs to be planned not treated as an optional add-on.”
At SUNROOOF, Ishat Jain focuses on bringing daylight deeper into homes and workplaces through thoughtfully designed skylight solutions adapted to Indian conditions. “When light enters from above, it reaches spaces side windows often can’t—living areas, work corners, staircases, and central zones,” he notes. “Those spaces instantly feel more open, energising, and comfortable.”
The benefits extend beyond aesthetics. Ishat Jain explains that in urban offices, access to daylight can improve focus, reduce fatigue, and create calmer, more productive environments. In homes, it supports healthier sleep cycles, lifts mood, and makes everyday living feel more vibrant. “There’s also a sustainability angle,” he adds. “Well-designed natural lighting reduces dependence on artificial lights during the day, lowering energy consumption.”
Importantly, Ishat Jain believes good lighting does not need to be dramatic or complex. “Sometimes, it’s simply about letting sunlight do what it has always done support how humans are meant to live,” he says. “Just as ventilation is essential in Indian homes, natural light should be treated as equally non-negotiable.”
For Ishat Jain, daylight is not merely a design feature but a lifestyle choice. “It quietly supports wellness, productivity, and emotional balance especially in dense, fast-paced urban environments,” he explains. “When homes and offices are designed with sunlight in mind, wellness stops feeling like an extra effort and becomes part of everyday living.”
