The following is an outline of the knowledge and practical skills required at each achievement level in the area of artificial lighting analysis and design.
Achieving a level requires passing the assessment for that level. Assessment can be undertaken for free on the Square One website or at one of many accredited training centres around the world. Each level must be passed consecutively - it is not possible to achieve Level 2 without having first successfully achieved Level 1.
Level 1 (Understanding) - View
At this level users should be able to access an analysis model and extract the basic information they need without having to go through another user. This typically means understanding what metrics are referenced and how to display them in a visual or tabulated form, as well as being able to extract the images and/or tables required for use in other documentation or drawings.
Knowledge
- Understand the basics of lamps and luminaires.
Read more... - Understand light output distributions and IES files.
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Practical Skills
- Display artificial light levels at POINT objects in model.
Read more... - Display artificial light levels over analysis grid.
Read more... - Display light output profiles in 3D for lights in the model.
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Level 2 (Capability) - View & Assist
Level 2 users should be able - under supervision - to carry out most of the basic tasks such as creating and editing building models suitable for this kind of analysis, undertaking most of the simpler calculations and formatting results appropriate to the specific needs of each project.
Knowledge
- Know what the lumen method of lighting design is.
Read more... - Know what the point-by-point method of lighting design is.
Read more... - Understand the minimum required lighting levels for different tasks.
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Practical Skills
- Able to add different types of lights to zones in a model.
Read more... - Able to calculate artificial lighting levels within a model.
Read more... - Adjust the required light level in each zone.
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Level 3 (Proficiency) - View, Assist & Produce
Level 3 users should have basic proficiency, being able to independently build models suitable this type of analysis, undertake those analysis and produce the results and/or other deliverables required for any project.
Knowledge
- Understand the differences between luminance and illuminance.
Read more... - Understand the hybrid ray-tracing method used to simulate light levels in Radiance.
Read more... - Understand how different light properties affect light levels.
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Practical Skills
- Able to create a new light element with reasonable properties.
Read more... - Export a model containing artificial lights to Radiance.
Read more... - Generate iso contours and illuminance levels from Radiance images.
Read more... - Able to load back illuminance data from a Radiance calculation.
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Level 4 (Expertise) - View, Assist, Produce & Manage
Level 4 users require real expertise, able to determine the types of analysis required to solve specific design problems, devise the work flows and schedules required to undertake them and effectively manage and supervise the whole process to ensure the timeliness and quality of all deliverables.
Knowledge
- Understand how to use the Radiance rtrace utility to calculate light levels at specific points.
Read more... - Understand how Radiance models complex fixtures and luminaires with proxy geometry.
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Practical Skills
- Able to model light diffusers and complex optical system.
Read more... - Able to replace light objects with data from complex IES data files.
Read more... - Able to set up proxy luminaire geometry for lights in a model.
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Level 5 (Innovation) - "Break New Ground"
To reach Level 5, users must demonstrate real innovation in the application of artificial lighting analysis within a design project. There is no direct assessment for this level, instead individuals or firms are required to submit a short article for review by the Natural Frequency editorial board that describes a specific project and details the innovative application of artificial lighting analysis or design.