Tech Glossary for Project Managers and Architects
Introduction
This glossary is a detailed reference tool for project managers and architects to understand the key terms associated with lighting, audio, visual, and control system services. It will assist in improving communication with clients and technology consultants while ensuring that all technical aspects are addressed during project planning and execution. Use this as a reference throughout the project lifecycle to clarify terms and make informed decisions.
Lighting Terms
1. Ambient Lighting
General lighting that provides overall illumination for a space, ensuring visibility and comfort without focusing on specific tasks or areas.
2. Accent Lighting
Lighting used to highlight specific design elements or architectural features, such as artwork, sculptures, or architectural details.
3. Task Lighting
Lighting that focuses on illuminating specific tasks, such as reading, cooking, or office work. Commonly found in workspaces, kitchens, and study areas.
4. LED (Light Emitting Diode)
A highly energy-efficient lighting technology with a long lifespan. LEDs consume less power and are commonly used in both commercial and residential projects.
5. Dimmers
Devices that allow users to adjust the brightness of a light, giving them greater control over the atmosphere and energy use in a space.
6. Daylight Harvesting
A lighting control strategy that adjusts artificial lighting in response to the amount of natural daylight available in a space, reducing energy consumption.
7. Smart Lighting
Lighting systems that can be controlled remotely via smartphones, tablets, or voice commands, often featuring automation such as scheduled lighting changes or motion detection.
8. Architectural Lighting
Lighting designed specifically to enhance and complement the architectural features of a building. Often used to emphasise form and structure, such as exterior façade lighting.
9. Recessed Lighting
Lighting fixtures installed within a ceiling or wall to create a sleek, seamless appearance. Common in modern residential and commercial spaces.
10. Track Lighting
A lighting system where multiple light fixtures are mounted on a continuous track, providing flexibility to direct light in multiple directions.
11. Low Voltage Lighting
Lighting systems that operate on lower voltage, typically 12V or 24V, which can be safer and more energy-efficient. Commonly used in residential landscape lighting.
12. Up Lighting
A technique where light fixtures are positioned to direct light upwards, often used to highlight architectural features or landscaping.
13. Down Lighting
A lighting technique where fixtures are positioned to direct light downward, commonly used for pathways, entryways, and general illumination.
14. Emergency Lighting
Lighting that activates automatically in the event of a power failure, guiding occupants safely out of a building during an emergency.
15. Color Temperature
A measure of the colour of light emitted by a light source, typically expressed in Kelvin (K). Warmer tones are lower on the scale (e.g., 2700K), while cooler, bluer tones are higher (e.g., 5000K).
16. Lumen
A unit of measure for the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. Higher lumens indicate brighter light output.
17. CRI (Color Rendering Index)
A measure of how accurately a light source reveals the true colours of objects compared to natural light. A CRI closer to 100 indicates better colour rendering.
18. Lighting Zones
The division of spaces into different lighting areas that can be individually controlled, often used to create different atmospheres within a single room or building.
Audio Terms
1. Multi-Zone Audio
A system that distributes audio to different areas or zones within a building, allowing users to control what is played in each zone independently.
2. Surround Sound
An immersive audio system that uses multiple speakers placed around the room to create a 360-degree auditory experience, commonly used in home theatres or conference rooms.
3. PA (Public Address) System
An audio system designed to broadcast voice announcements or sound to large groups, often used in schools, offices, and retail environments.
4. Distributed Audio
A system that allows audio to be played throughout different rooms or areas from a central source, often managed through a control system.
5. High-Fidelity Audio
Sound reproduction that is of a high quality, offering minimal distortion and a true-to-life listening experience.
6. In-Ceiling Speakers
Audio speakers that are installed flush with the ceiling, providing discreet audio solutions without visible hardware.
7. Sound Masking
A system used to improve speech privacy in spaces by emitting ambient sound to mask conversations, commonly used in offices.
8. Acoustic Treatment
Materials or systems designed to control sound within a space by absorbing, diffusing, or reflecting sound waves, improving sound quality and reducing noise.
9. DSP (Digital Signal Processor)
A technology used to modify audio signals to enhance sound quality, remove noise, or adjust audio for different environments.
10. Wireless Audio
Audio systems that use wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to transmit sound, eliminating the need for cables between devices.
11. Subwoofer
A speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds (bass), enhancing the depth and power of audio in a system.
12. Line Array
A speaker system in which multiple speaker units are arranged vertically, commonly used for large venues or outdoor events to project sound over long distances.
Visual Terms
1. Video Wall
A large display system made up of multiple screens tiled together to create a single, cohesive image. Commonly used in control rooms, retail spaces, and corporate lobbies.
2. Digital Signage
Electronic displays used to convey information, advertisements, or announcements, typically in public or commercial spaces such as lobbies, airports, or retail stores.
3. Interactive Whiteboard
A touch-sensitive display that allows users to interact with digital content, often used in educational settings and corporate boardrooms.
4. Projection System
A display system that uses a projector to cast images or video onto a large surface, ideal for presentations in conference rooms or auditoriums.
5. 4K/8K Resolution
High-definition display resolutions offering greater clarity and detail. 4K refers to a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, while 8K refers to 7680x4320 pixels.
6. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
A flat-panel display technology commonly used in monitors, televisions, and digital signage, known for its sharp image quality and energy efficiency.
7. LED Display
A type of display that uses LEDs to create images, often used in large-format displays like video walls due to their brightness and energy efficiency.
8. Projection Mapping
A technology that projects images onto irregularly shaped surfaces, creating immersive visual experiences often used in architectural installations and events.
9. Interactive Display
A touchscreen display that allows users to engage with digital content, used in settings like classrooms, meeting rooms, or customer kiosks.
10. Aspect Ratio
The proportional relationship between the width and height of a display or image. Common aspect ratios include 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (standard).
11. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
A display technology that uses organic compounds to emit light, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to traditional LCDs.
12. Laser Projector
A projection system that uses lasers as a light source, offering longer life spans and better colour accuracy than traditional lamp-based projectors.
Control System Terms
1. Centralised Control System
A system that integrates multiple building technologies (lighting, audio, visual, HVAC, security) into one control interface, often managed through touch panels or mobile apps.
2. Automation
The use of technology to automatically control building systems, such as lighting, heating, or audio-visual equipment, based on schedules or environmental factors.
3. Smart Home/Office Systems
Integrated technology solutions that allow users to control lighting, climate, security, and entertainment systems from a single device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
4. Scalable Control Systems
Systems designed to grow and adapt over time, allowing for new devices or functions to be added without needing to overhaul existing infrastructure.
5. HVAC Control
Systems used to automate and regulate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems within a building, optimising comfort and energy use.
6. BMS (Building Management System)
A control system that monitors and manages the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment, such as HVAC, lighting, and security systems, from a central platform.
7. Lighting Control System
A system that allows users to manage the lighting in a building or space through switches, dimmers, sensors, or automated controls, often integrated into a centralised platform.
8. Occupancy Sensors
Devices that detect the presence of people in a room or space and automatically adjust lighting or HVAC systems accordingly, improving energy efficiency.
9. Scheduling
The ability to program building systems (lighting, HVAC, AV) to operate at specific times, helping to reduce energy consumption and enhance building management.
10. Voice Control
A system that allows users to control building technologies via voice commands through devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri.
11. Remote Monitoring and Control
The ability to manage and monitor building systems from a remote location via web interfaces or mobile applications, providing flexibility and real-time insights.
12. Energy Management System
A system that monitors and controls energy usage within a building, helping to reduce consumption, track performance, and meet sustainability goals.