Lighting Flashcards
What is the ‘work plane’ in lighting design?
The surface where tasks are performed, such as a desk, kitchen counter, or floor.
Why is knowing the height from ceiling to work plane important?
Because it helps determine how far light must travel from fixtures to reach the work surface.
What factors affect how much light is needed on a work plane?
The nature of the task (e.g. reading, cutting vegetables, walking).
What is the Zonal Cavity Method used for?
To calculate how much light reaches the work plane from luminaires.
What is a key input in the Zonal Cavity Method?
Room dimensions, surface reflectance, fixture type, and maintenance factors.
How does wall color and texture affect lighting?
Dark and textured surfaces absorb more light, reducing reflected light in the room.
Why does room size matter in lighting calculations?
Larger rooms reduce the impact of reflected light, requiring more direct lighting.
How does pendant lighting differ from ceiling-recessed lighting?
Pendant lights reduce the distance to the work plane and often provide both direct and reflected light.
What impacts the distribution of light from a fixture?
Its mounting height, direction, and whether it’s direct or indirect.
Why include maintenance in lighting calculations?
Because dust and aging reduce fixture light output over time.
What is the impact of reordering methods on lighting levels?
Delayed bulb replacement leads to lower average light levels over time.
What is a task light?
A light that directly illuminates a specific task area, like a desk lamp or stair light.
What is a cove light?
An indirect light hidden in architectural details that reflects light into a space.
What is a recessed downlight (can light)?
A directional ceiling light that creates pools of light and often defines pathways.
What are troffers?
Recessed fluorescent fixtures common in office ceilings that provide ambient light.
What is a pendant light?
A light hanging from the ceiling, which may direct light up, down, or both.
What is an uplight?
A fixture directing light upwards to reflect off ceilings.
What is a sconce?
A wall-mounted light fixture that can shine up, down, or out.
What is a vanity light?
Lighting around mirrors that minimizes facial shadows.
What is a typical lighting level for offices in footcandles?
25–50 footcandles.
What is a typical lighting level for corridors?
About 10 footcandles.
What is a high lighting level use case?
Surgical suites may require 300–500 footcandles.
What is the standard spacing between sprinkler heads?
12–15 feet.
What is the purpose of wall-washer sprinklers?
To protect glass walls by cooling them with water.
