GSA
Courtroom Lighting Criteria Evaluation
Task 1 Report
Executive Summary
The US Courts have experienced some failures in lighting satisfaction within some of the recently
constructed courthouses. A study by the General ev e A mis ai s f eo A pe
S ri s d n t tn Of f p ld
c
ir o
i
c
i
Sciences through the National Institute of Building Sciences was undertaken by Arup Lighting to
evaluate the lighting installations with respect to terq i me to teU C ut D s nG i .
h e u e ns fh S o r ei u e
r
s
g
d
Based on these surveys, it was determined that several aspects of the Design Guide should be
revised to more clearly define methods to achieve successful courtroom lighting. These include:
More specific requirements for illuminance targets
Current illuminace targets are on work sur c o li l evertical illuminance
fen
a
y nu
cd
o
targets.
Provide more detailed illuminance targets related to specific task locations
o
Discussion of surface brightnesses
Dark wood surfaces cause contrast problems, which need to be thoroughly
o
studied during the design process.
Modern computer methods provide ways to predict surface brightnesse and
o
should be used.
Contrast and luminance ratios
Luminance ratios can vary greatly depending on lighting scheme and surface
o
reflectences.
Luminance is the brightness that is seen by the eye, and hence is as important as
o
illuminance during the design process.
Design validation
Physical mock-ups in the past have not included important design considerations
o
due to their cost.
Allow scope for the design team or independent third party, or both, to perform
o
advanced computer modeling to verify the actual end result.
We recommend that the Design Guide be revised to incorporate these ideas to ensure successful
lighting in future new courthouses
Page i
X:\...-05 REPORTS & NARRATIVES0124-TASK1REPORT-DRAFT3-
Ove Arup & Partners Consulting Engineers PC
X:\...-05 REPORTS & NARRATIVES0301-TASK1REPORT-X:\...-05
Issue March 1, 2006
REPORTS & NARRATIVES0301-TASK1REPORT-FINAL-X:\...-05
REPORTS & NARRATIVES0301-TASK1REPORT-FINAL-
X:\...\ARUP_REPORT0301-TASK1REPORT-FINAL-COMMENTS.DOC
Previous Page
