California IDEX Practice Exam

One of the most frequent lighting problems in a traditional drafting room is...

1. Excessive brightness ratio

2. Direct glare

3. Veiling reflection

4. Visual comfort

The correct answer is: Veiling reflection

In the context of lighting issues in a traditional drafting room, veiling reflection is particularly relevant. Veiling reflections occur when light from surrounding sources reflects off surfaces, such as drafting tables or drafting materials, creating a washed-out appearance that obscures detail and makes it difficult to see fine lines or subtle changes in shading. This is especially problematic for tasks requiring precision, which is common in drafting work. While excessive brightness ratio, direct glare, and visual comfort are important factors in lighting design, they may not specifically address the unique challenges presented in drafting environments. Veiling reflection directly hampers the ability to effectively see and interpret detailed work, making it a frequent issue that designers and architects need to be aware of when planning lighting for such spaces.