Proceedings of: Workshop on Improving Building Design for Persons with Low Vision

Glare

Sources of Glare (slide 2)

Poorly Shielded light sources.

Exposed lamps.

Light reflecting from highly reflective surfaces.

Windows.

Skylights.

Disability Glare (slide 3)

Definition: The reduction in visibility caused by intense light sources in the field of view.

Sources of Disability Glare:

• Created by light being scattered in the eye.

• Unshielded artificial light sources.

• Light reflecting from highly reflective surfaces.

• Unshielded sources of natural illumination.

Discomfort Glare (slide 4)

Definition: A sensation of irritation or pain from high luminances in the field of view

Sources of Discomfort Glare:

• High luminance sources.

• Large area light sources (natural & artificial).

• Light sources that are close to the line of sight.

• Bright sources placed against a dark background.

Contrast (slide 5)

Definition: Visual task requires some combination of light & dark areas that human visual system must discern in order to see it.

Definition of Color Contrast: The difference in perceived color between a task & its background.

Factors that Influence Color (slides 6 and 7)

• "Color" of the light source (color T˚).

• Color rendering characteristics of light source (CRI).

• Color contrast.

• Color appearance of skin tones.

Summary: Lighting Design Considerations (slide 8)

Provide shielded sources of illumination.

Control glare from daylight sources.

Consider opportunities for task lighting.

Provide high color rendition light sources.

Evaluate color temperature of light source within environment.