Light reflectance value

In architecture, light reflectance value (LRV), is a measure of visible and usable light that is reflected from a surface when illuminated by a light source.[1] The measurement is most commonly used by design professionals, such as architectural color consultants, architects, environmental graphic designers and interior designers.

LRV on Paint Swatch

LRVs are frequently reported on paint chips or paint samples. The values are used by lighting designers to determine the number and type of light fixtures needed to provide proper lighting for interior spaces.

Guidance

Designers of buildings must comply with the building codes applicable to the structure under consideration. Since 2004 guidance has existed on access to and use of buildings.[2] The guidance is particularly concerned with provisions to assist the disabled, including those who are visually impaired. The guidance highlights the need for certain surfaces and features to contrast visually with their surroundings. Areas of particular interest are wall-to-ceiling and wall-to-floor junctions, exposed edges of sloping floors, seating and its surroundings, leading edges of doors, door opening furniture and door surfaces, sanitary fittings and grab bars.

This is relevant to a wide range of non-residential buildings, such as hospitals, schools, hotels, and theatres.

Codes of practice

Color contrast may be determined by the formula [(B1 - B2) / B1] x 100, where B1 is the LRV of the lighter area, and B2 is the LRV of a darker area [3]

The British Standards Institute's current guidance in the Regulations and in the relevant Codes of Practice, BS 8300:2009, is that adequate visual contrast is provided if the Light Reflectance Values (LRV) of the contrasting areas differ by at least 30 points. The current British Standard for the measurement of LRV is BS8493:2008+A1:2010.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design does not recommend a light reflectance value for contrast on signage with words or pictograms, but instead it provides that "characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background" in § 703.5.1 [4]

The International Code Council utilizes the ADA approach and does not use a light reflectance value in its 2017 update to the standards for ICC A117.1 in § 703.5.3.2 [5]

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe uses a difference of 60 points between the LRVs for the contrast requirement of signage in "Railway Applications — Design for PRM Use - General Requirements — Part 1: Contrast." [6]

Manufacturers are advised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery[1] to publish the LRV for their products. Designers are beginning to demand them.

References
  1. Jeffries, John. "The use of Light Reflectance Values (LVRs) in achieving visual contrast". BRE CIAT RIBA Technical Taskforce. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  2. "Specification Guidelines, Design Service & CPD" (PDF). gradusworld.com. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  3. Sawaya, Lori. "Definition of Light Reflectance Value (LRV)". The Land of Color. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  4. "ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010)" (PDF). ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010). Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  5. "International Code Council 'Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (2017)'". International Code Council A117.1-2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (2017). Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  6. "United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 'Railway Applications — Design for PRM Use - General Requirements — Part 1: Contrast.'" (PDF). UNECE. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  • Bradshaw, Vaugh, P.E. Building Control Systems. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Second Edition, 1993.
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