Luminance Contrast Assessment
Luminance contrast is the difference in the amount of light reflected by surfaces that are next to each other. For example, black doors next to white walls give maximum luminance contrast. The amount of light a surface reflects is measured to give the surface a light reflectance value (LRV). Luminance contrast is calculated by measuring the difference between two LRV’s. Providing good luminance contrast assists people with low vision or colour blindness to navigate, negotiate and identify features within the built environment.
Australian Standards require a minimum value between 30% – 60% luminance contrast, depending on the element and setting. Architecture & Access can assess the LRV of samples and finishes in-house or on-site using our sophisticated spectrophotometer to determine their compliance to mandatory requirements.
