Lighting Design & Illumination Flashcards

What is 'daylighting' as a design strategy in interior design?

Answer: The strategic use of natural light from windows and skylights to illuminate building interiors

Daylighting is the deliberate use of windows, skylights, light shelves, and other openings to bring natural light into interior spaces, reducing energy use and enhancing occupant wellbeing.

What does the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of a paint color or surface material measure?

Answer: The percentage of visible light reflected by a surface or color

LRV measures the percentage of visible light that a surface or paint color reflects back, ranging from 0 (absorbs all light) to 100 (reflects all light).

Which dimmer technology is specifically designed to be compatible with LED and CFL bulbs?

Answer: Electronic low-voltage (ELV) or 0-10V LED-compatible dimmer

Trailing-edge (ELV) and 0-10V dimmers are engineered for LED and CFL compatibility, preventing flickering, buzzing, and premature lamp failure common with standard incandescent dimmers.

What is the primary goal of circadian (human-centric) lighting systems?

Answer: To support the body's natural 24-hour biological clock by adjusting color temperature and intensity throughout the day

Circadian lighting adjusts color temperature and intensity in alignment with natural daylight cycles — cooler and brighter at midday, warmer and dimmer in morning and evening — to support occupants' biological rhythms.

What does a fixture schedule in a lighting legend on construction drawings typically include?

Answer: The fixture type code, manufacturer, catalog number, lamp type, wattage, and mounting method

A fixture schedule identifies each luminaire by its type symbol and provides the manufacturer, catalog number, lamp specification, wattage, and mounting details needed for procurement and installation.

What distinguishes a recessed downlight (can light) from other ceiling fixture types?

Answer: The fixture housing is concealed above the ceiling plane with only the trim visible below

A recessed downlight is installed into the ceiling so the body of the fixture is hidden above the ceiling plane, leaving only the trim ring and lens visible from below.

According to Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) guidelines, what is the recommended illuminance range for general office work areas?

Answer: 30–50 foot-candles

The IES recommends approximately 30–50 foot-candles for general office work areas to support visual comfort, reduce eyestrain, and maintain productivity.