California IDEX Practice Exam

When planning space and specifying furnishings in an office building, how can an interior designer best address daylighting?

1. Maximize office size near windows

2. Add task lighting beyond 16' from windows

3. Specify systems furniture taller than 60"h

4. Recommend medium reflective finishes to counter glare

The correct answer is: Specify systems furniture taller than 60"h

The correct answer focuses on the role of systems furniture in relation to daylighting in an office environment. Selecting systems furniture that is taller than 60 inches can enhance the flow of natural light throughout the space while ensuring that crucial tasks performed in work areas maintain optimal visibility. This can prevent blockages that might inhibit daylight from reaching deeper into the space, creating a healthier and more productive work environment. Height considerations are particularly important in open-plan office designs, as they can significantly influence how light is distributed and utilized across the space. Additionally, maximizing office space near windows would also benefit from daylighting but doesn’t fully address the relationship between furniture height and light flow. Adding task lighting beyond 16 feet from windows might not consider the impact of natural light and could lead to higher energy consumption. Finally, while recommending medium reflective finishes can help with glare control, it lacks the proactive approach of selecting appropriate furniture that contributes to overall daylight utilization in the office.