The results of all basic measurements and calculations of reflected glare for different lighting materials and conditions are presented in a series of tables and charts. All basic concepts of a quantitative method for evaluating the visual significance of reflected glare are identified in relationship to different types of visual performance. The…

Using Keene "Director" fixtures, a Rotterdam, New York, school will save over $16,000 annually and have improved classroom light. These fixtures will pay for themselves in 3-4 years, halving the wattage used per square foot; they direct 40 percent of their light upward to provide uniform, glare-free lighting. (MCG)

In addition to their restricted peripheral fields, persons with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) report significant problems seeing in low levels of illumination, which causes difficulty with night travel. Several devices have been developed to support the visual needs of persons who have night blindness. These devices include wide-angle flashlights,…

A brief target that is visible when displayed alone can be rendered invisible by a trailing stimulus (metacontrast masking). It has been difficult to determine the temporal dynamics of masking to date because increments in stimulus duration have been invariably confounded with apparent brightness (Bloch's law). In the research reported here,…

Relighting classrooms with peripheral lighting fixture layouts increases the room's illumination level, reduces glare, and increases the uniformity of desktop illumination. (Author/MLF)

THIS ARTICLE PRESENTS BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PROPER SCHOOL LIGHTING, DRAWING DIRECTLY FROM THE NEW "AMERICAN STANDARD GUIDE FOR SCHOOL LIGHTING." PRINCIPLES FOR PROVIDING A COMFORTABLE AND EFFICIENT VISUAL ENVIRONMENT ARE THESE--(1) ANY SCHOOL LIGHTING SYSTEM SHOULD BE DESIGNED IN SUCH A MANNER THAT IT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO A CHEERFUL, FRIENDLY, AND…

LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS ALONG WITH DESIGN IMPLICATIONS ARE DISCUSSED. COMMENTS OF SEVERAL LEADING LIGHTING AUTHORITIES ARE INCLUDED. A SERIES OF LIGHTING CONSIDERATIONS RECOMMENDS--(1) CHILDREN CAN ACQUIRE AN AWARENESS OF THEIR LUMINOUS ENVIRONMENT THROUGH EARLY TRAINING, (2) INTENSITY, DISTRIBUTION, HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL POLARIZATION AND THE…

In order to judge or design the lighting of an interior a person must be able to understand and take into account many aspects of seeing and illumination. Important areas of consideration are--(1) factors that contribute to the visibility of an object: size, brightness, contrast, and time, (2) radiant energy with regard to the visible spectrums of…

Eighteen significantly different classroom lighting systems were measured and analyzed in order to determine how contrasts from different light sources affect the ability to see visual tasks in the school room. Using criteria and techniques established from previous lighting research, the lighting systems are evaluated according to their…

Considerations for a classroom lighting system include the quality of the system in terms of improved seeability, operating efficiency, and energy savings. (Author/MLF)

Merrimack College in North Andover (Massachusetts) has reduced the cost of lighting its physical education center by over 70 percent; the new lighting system, which uses metal halide lamps, has also doubled the illumination in the building, attracting revenue-producing activities. (MCG)

An application method for evaluating the visual significance of reflected glare is described, based upon a number of decisions with respect to the relative importance of various aspects of visual performance. A standardized procedure for evaluating the overall effectiveness of lighting from photometric data on materials or installations is needed…

Summarizes findings of an Alberta light/color study that looked at mood, noise levels, IQ test scores, blood pressure, and absences under fluorescent or full-spectrum light in two color schemes in four elementary schools with 700 students. (MLF)

Describes a research project that will measure whether student achievement, blood pressure, height, and weight gain are influenced by the choice of color and/or the source of artificial light in the classroom. Four third-grade classrooms will be the treatment groups involving two colors and three different artificial light sources. (MLF)

Details the dramatic changes in school lighting. Describes how lighting will be more closely integrated into the "smart" school building of tomorrow and how lighting systems will evolve with schools as technology changes. Claims that direct/indirect lighting systems will serve computer users as well as reduce energy and maintenance costs. (RJM)