At what distance should architectural panel appearance be evaluated?

The evaluation of architectural panel appearance at a distance of 20 feet is established as a standard practice to ensure a realistic assessment of how the panels will be viewed in their intended environment. This distance allows for a comprehensive review of the panels' finish, color consistency, and overall aesthetic without focusing on minor imperfections that may not be visible when viewed from farther away or in an operational context.

Evaluating at this distance strikes a balance between the need to identify any visible quality issues while remaining representative of an everyday viewing scenario. Additionally, it accounts for typical sightlines in various installations, helping to maintain the quality standards expected in architectural applications. Such a distance permits an effective measurement of the panels' appearance as they would be experienced by individuals interacting with the space.

The alternative distances provided may not effectively exhibit the intended visual impact or could cause inspectors to overlook subtle defects that are better scrutinized at the specified distance. Thus, the 20-foot standard has been widely adopted in architectural assessments.