692 Interior Design Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. L lamp. The technical name for a lightbulb. (8) lath and plaster. Historically, plaster troweled on wood lath strips in three different coats and then sealed. Today, application of plaster may be over gypsum board or concrete block. (11) layering light. Additive light that attracts attention, highlights the focal point of the space, and provides zest or sparkle to add interest or excitement to a space. (8) Le Corbusier’s Modulor. A complex measuring system using geometric rations based on proportions of the human body to determine patterns of and for architectural design developed in the twentieth century. (7) LEED rating system. A system that ensures built environments are designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health. (2) legend. An explanatory chart that clearly communicates with symbols the type of task or fi xture that is to be included in the lighting plan a combination of graphic symbols and notes to indicate what the symbols represent. (8, 13) letter of agreement. An initial written letter, or contract, outlining the expectations of each party—designer and client. (6) levy. A tax assessment that often helps pay for new commercial designs for community buildings. (3) licensing. An assurance to the public that the buildings they enter meet a standard of physical health, safety, and security related to state regulations that determine if a designer has the education and qualifi cations necessary to perform a service in question. (4) life-cycle costs. The costs of products from purchase through disposal. (14) life-safety issues. Those issues related to the health and safety of building occupants, such as inclusion of safe egress, smoke detectors and fi re alarm systems, backup power and light systems, and fi re extinguishers. (6) light-emitting diodes (LED). A semiconductor material embedded in a plastic chip produces light when electrical current energizes the chip causing an interaction between the electrical fi eld and phosphor inside the plastic capsule. LEDs are durable, strong, and long-lasting. (8) limited liability company (LLC). A combination of a general partnership and a corporation—developed as a partnership but with limited liability protection of a corporation. (4) line. An element of design that connects two points. (7) lines of sight. The views down a corridor or passage. (14) linoleum. A natural fl ooring material consisting of linseed oils, rosins (an amber-colored sap from pine trees), and wood fl our (salvaged from sawdust) placed on a natural jute backing. (11) load-bearing wall. A wall that holds up the roof and supports the building structure. (4) lock-off unit. Self-contained living quarters consisting of an apartment with a separate entrance attached to the main home. (3) loggia. A roofed outdoor living space overlooking an open court from an upper story. (9) loop layout. A store-layout system that uses a circular pathway around a central display. (14) luminaire. A lighting fi xture. (8) M manufactured fi bers. Those fi bers that consist of a combination of such materials as wood cellulose, coal, gas, oil, and chemicals. (11) market assessment. An assessment that identifi es the perceived needs in the community or overseas, the competition, and the demand for services based on economy, geographical locale, and resources available. (4) market niche. A specialized market. (4) market segment. One or more potential customers that is more likely to utilize the services of a fi rm, thereby creating a market niche. (4) marquetry. Elaborate patterns formed by inserting pieces of wood, shell, or ivory into a wood veneer and applying it to furniture. (9) material board. A sample board prepared by the designer that contains swatches of interior materials as well as photographs of furniture proposed for the spaces based on the client’s concept and program. (6) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). A document that contains important information about the characteristics of and actual or potential hazards of a substance. (11) matrix. A concise visual summary that organizes the client’s Program requirements. (6) memo sample. The reproduction of the design in a carpet sample for the client to view and approve. (11) mercury vapor (MV) lamp. A type of high-intensity discharge lamp that uses radiation from mercury vapor to provide illumination. (8) metal halide lamp. A type of high-intensity discharge lamp that uses metal halides and metallic vapors to illuminate the lamp. (8)