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  1. Light
  2. Surface design

Surface design

Features>Light>59. Surface design

59. Surface design

Intent: 

To increase overall room brightness through reflected light from room surfaces and avoiding glare.

Exposure to light not only facilitates image-formation and color perception, but can also trigger a series of non-visual effects involving the regulation of the circadian cycle. Light exposure mainly occurs via two ways: (1) directly from luminous sources, and (2) indirectly from reflected surfaces. Since most light encountered within buildings is reflective, quality of surfaces greatly affects the amount of light ultimately reaching the eye. Surfaces with lower light reflectance values (LRVs) absorb light from the source and result in lower overall light intensity. Higher LRVs mean that the surface reflects more light from the source, resulting in maximum light intensity and promoting alertness and activity. Choosing surfaces with higher LRV values thus represents a good strategy for ensuring that a sufficient amount of light reaches the eye without increasing energy consumption or glare.

Part 1: Working and Learning Area Surface Reflectivity

The following Light Reflectance Values (LRV) are met:

a.80 Ceilings have an average LRV of 0.8 (80%) or more for at least 80% of surface area in regularly occupied spaces.
b.80 Walls have an average LRV of 0.7 (70%) or more for at least 50% of surface area directly visible from regularly occupied spaces.
c. Furniture systems have an average LRV of 0.5 (50%) or more for 50% of surface area directly visible from regularly occupied spaces.
Part 2: Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness

The following Light Reflectance Values (LRV) are met for bedrooms:

a. Ceilings have an average LRV of 0.4 (40%) or more for at least 80% of surface area.
b. Walls have an average LRV of 0.4 (40%) or less for at least 80% of surface area.
Part 3: Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness

The following Light Reflectance Values are met for residential spaces other than bedrooms:

a. Ceilings have an average LRV of 0.4 (40%) or more for at least 80% of surface area.
b. Walls have an average LRV of 0.6 (60%) or less for at least 80% of surface area.
Muscular
Nervous
Endocrine

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New & Existing Buildings New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: Working and Learning Area Surface Reflectivity - O O
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Working and Learning Area Surface Reflectivity O O - - -
Part 2: Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness - - O - -
Part 3: Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness - - O - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Design)
Working and Learning Area Surface Reflectivity 		Architect
PART 2 (Design)
Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness 		Architect
PART 3 (Design)
Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness 		Architect

80

U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service. March 2014, Washington, D.C., pp. 135-136.
59.1.a

The GSA's Facilities Standard for the Public Buildings Service Baseline requires an average LRV for ceilings of 80% or greater.
59.1.b

The GSA's Facilities Standard for the Public Buildings Service Tier 2 High Performance recommends an average LRV on walls of 70%.
Features>Light>59. Surface design