Question

Which of these allows us to determine if an environment (such as a staircase, a corridor, workplace, etc.) has the right levels of lighting.
a. Luminous intensity
b. Luminous flux.
c. Illuminance.
d. Luminance.

Answer 1

Lighting in our living and workplaces is critically important for our ability to accomplish tasks efficiently and safely. In addition, proper light levels prevent eye strain, which allows us to work comfortably for longer periods of time. There are two main concepts that architects need to understand as they plan lighting in their buildings: Light Levels and Lighting Power Density.

Since we are concerned mainly with accomplishing tasks in our buildings, we need to understand the Illuminance or the amount of light that is hitting a surface. In an office, we might want to understand the amount of light that is hitting our desk; however, in a gymnasium or corridor, we may be more interested in the amount of light hitting the floor.

Therefore, Illuminance allows us to determine if an environment (such as a staircase, a corridor, workplace, etc.) has the right levels of lighting.