(Overview) (Method) (Survey) (Mt. Airy) (Michigan) (Exeter) (Syllabus)

University of Michigan Law Library

(Michigan Intro) (Michigan Model Study) (Michigan Survey) (Michigan Student Evaluation)

Student Self-Evaluation of "Lessons Learned" - Genevieve Black

The University of Michigan Law Library Addition

I am writing to describe my experience working on the Vital Signs Prototype Building Work-up Study . On a technical level, I learned how those involved in actual lighting research measure light levels and how these measurements are used to compare theoretical values (as predicted in the models), desired values (as previously defined in research of user tasks and needs), and actual lighting conditions (documented from site measurements and occupant surveys). I learned where to observe and measure differences in light levels, such as the surfaces immediately surrounding the work area (tables, floors and walls). I discovered that it is usually not the quantitative light levels, but the brightness difference or luminance quality that creates visibility. These observations will help me to be more sensitive to what causes visual discomfort and to take this into account when designing.

I also learned through the testing of our lighting model that an accurate model is crucial. A good model can support research and give insights into the actual building, whereas a less accurate model will give dubious or misleading results.

On a more general level, I learned what is critical to good daylighting and electric lighting design. In my survey of users of the library, I discovered that views to the outdoors were cherished as was the occasional "ray" of sunshine. This information was surprising, as the general rule that glare or direct sun is to be avoided in reading areas. The ability to switch locations in the library setting keeps the bright sun conditions from becoming discomfort problems if someone were truly bothered by the bright sun. As it was, I did not find any users who said that the direct sun bothered them. I would have to assume that in an office setting, where workers take the same assigned location every day, a survey of users would reveal problems and complaints and more accurate studies of the sun's path would be required. Although I have learned many general "rules of thumb" for good lighting design, I became increasingly aware that there is no one lighting design formula that can be applied uniformly across different situations. Lighting should always be applied in a manner specific to use conditions and occupant choices.

Overall I learned certain key points for lighting design:

• Understand the occupants. Know who you design for. Are they young or old? Free to move or assigned to specific places? There for a long time or only temporarily? What tasks are they working on and how can lighting quality be improved?
  
  
• Quality not quantity: More daylighting is not necessarily better, especially where solar heat gain is a concern. Light reflection and diffusion can create a high quality of light without direct sun.
  
  
• The value of testing: You may think you have developed an "ideal" daylighting or electric lighting design, but it has to be tested for all seasonal conditions and all occupant variations. Otherwise the design will not be successful.

Comments to author: vitalsigns@
ced.berkeley.edu

All contents copyright (C) 1998. Vital Signs Project. All rights reserved.

Created: 05/13/97
Revised: 09/09/02

http://www-archfp.ced.berkeley.edu/vitalsigns/workup/rpi/watson_michstud.html