CID Lighting Design and Technology Flashcards

What is the term for unwanted brightness in the visual field that causes discomfort or reduces visibility?

Answer: Glare

Glare is excessive or poorly directed brightness that causes visual discomfort and can reduce the ability to see detail in a space.

Which daylighting strategy uses a horizontal aperture in the ceiling to bring natural light deep into a building's interior?

Answer: Skylights

Skylights are ceiling openings that allow daylight to penetrate directly into interior spaces, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

In layered lighting design, which layer is specifically intended to illuminate work surfaces such as countertops, desks, and reading areas?

Answer: Task lighting

Task lighting provides concentrated, focused illumination directed at specific work areas to support detailed activities.

What does the term 'luminous efficacy' measure in lighting design?

Answer: Lumens produced per watt of electricity consumed

Luminous efficacy is the ratio of light output (lumens) to energy input (watts), indicating how efficiently a light source converts electricity to light.

Which type of fixture is recessed into the ceiling and provides downward-directed ambient or accent light?

Answer: Downlight (recessed can)

Downlights, also called recessed cans, are installed flush with the ceiling and direct light downward for ambient or accent purposes.

What is the primary benefit of specifying ENERGY STAR-certified lighting fixtures in a US commercial interior project?

Answer: They qualify for energy efficiency rebates and meet federal performance standards

ENERGY STAR-certified fixtures meet strict federal energy performance standards and often qualify for utility rebates and LEED credits.