Glossary
A simplified explanation of references used in the text divided into the
following eight headings. Use the Index for page references. This is
similar to the Glossary used inThe Lit Environment,^1 which will enable the
two books to be used together.
- SEEING/PERCEPTION
- LIGHT SOURCES/DAYLIGHT
- LIGHT SOURCES/OTHER THAN DAYLIGHT (artificial)
- LIGHTING TERMINOLOGY
- LIGHTING METHODS
- ENERGY AND CONTROLS
- ARCHITECTURE
- GLAZING TYPES/DAYLIGHT CONTROLS
- SEEING/PERCEPTION
Adaptation The human eye can adapt to widely differeing levels of
light, but not at the same time. When entering a darkened space from
a brightly lit space, the eye needs time to adapt, to the general lighting
conditions; this is known as ‘adaptation’.
Clarity Clearness, unambiguous.
Contrast The visual difference between the colour or brightness of two
surfaces when seen together. Too high a contrast can be the cause of
glare.
Modelling The modelling of an object derives from the direction and
intensity of the light falling upon its surfaces, which provides the shadow
patterns leading to an understanding of its form.
Perception Receiving impressions of one’s environment primarily by
means of vision, but also one’s other senses; providing a totality of experi-
ence.
Quality, a degree of excellence The ‘quality’ of a lighting design derives
from a series of different elements, the most important of which is ‘unity’,
(^1) Phillips, D. (2002)Lighting Modern buildings, Architectural Press.