Coloring Outside the Lines  

Photo © Mark Herboth; courtesy of CRL

Incorporating new products into design, like software applications and the latest in glazing technology, means building with opportunity. 

Two forces are shaping the design industry in 2025: well-being and technology. Today, creating interiors and selecting products for wellness has transformed from a trend to a necessity. The desire of many businesses to bring their employees back into the office is widespread; likewise, there is a desire among designers to facilitate personal engagement within a space. 

It is important to understand how the role of interior design has changed. Interior spaces cannot simply be functional; they must also provide a healthy, vibrant, and visually stimulating environment. With the right use of glass partitions and natural materials, improved mood, heightened productivity, and increased collaboration are possible. These are all key factors enabling occupants to be comfortable indoors. 

Sustainability is now a fundamental priority in interior design. With growing awareness of environmental challenges, there is a tremendous opportunity for designers to create spaces that address the planet’s and people’s needs. Technology offers a platform to empower these decisions. “The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is undergoing a significant evolution driven by the rapid expansion of digital technology. As the AEC industry embraces a new era, integrating technology into project management and delivery processes is essential for meeting the demands of the modern world. Digital transformation streamlines operations and introduces innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability,” note Eric Abrams and Ohan Oumoudian of GIS/Geospatial Solutions.

Designing with sustainability and well-being in mind allows the design professional to create beautiful and impactful interiors. Thoughtful choices, like natural materials and biophilic elements, empowered by technological advances, allow both the nurture of the planet while improving clients’ daily lives.

Providing a Clear Path to Wellness—The Benefits of Glass Partitions

There are many wellness benefits to glass partition systems in modern-day building interiors, including defining functional spaces, creating private rooms that mitigate sound, and providing daylight diffusion for brighter interiors. With the thoughtful efforts of architects, designers, and the glazing community, advanced products and fresh approaches are ushering in a new era of designs that address key environmental and personnel objectives within constantly adapting spaces.

Photo courtesy of CRL 

Increasing daylighting in a design advances energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction and health. 

Daylighting

The positive psychological impacts of more natural light are a significant benefit to the overall well-being of occupants. More daylight can improve occupant morale and lead to vibrant and collaborative interiors. Surveys demonstrate that most office workers would like direct sunlight in their offices in at least one season of the year and believe that working under natural daylight is better for their health and well-being than electric lighting. Using glass partitions allows workers to enjoy distant, diverse, and dynamic views from the interior and establishes a link to the surrounding environment, which fosters connection and creativity.

When designing interiors, particularly commercial, it’s important to understand the needs of not only the owner, but the end occupants,” said Mark Suehiro, product technical director at CRL. “When the occasion arises, specifying the right interior glass partition systems can go a long way in promoting employee collaboration and occupant morale, all while meeting an open, contemporary design intent.”

Glazed partitions act as a glass wall, dividing various functional spaces while maximizing daylight diffusion and transparency. Coupled with glass doors that feature slim rails and fittings, the system relies on minimal hardware to reduce obstructions, enhance visibility, and create a sense of openness.  Allowing an ample amount of natural light to enter and reach spaces deep within the office environment continues to be important. The result of vibrant spaces with unobstructed views is the improved well-being of employees. 

By minimizing obstructions, glass partitions excel in allowing natural daylight from exterior-facing windows to diffuse through the interior spaces of an office. With documented research dating back to 1986, daylighting has consistently been associated with improved mood, enhanced morale, less fatigue, and reduced eyestrain. Bright lighting facilitates enhanced focus and alertness, and well-daylit spaces are generally perceived by occupants to be “better” than dim, gloomy ones. Interior glass partitions also permit views to the exterior from multiple points. New glass partition systems, expertly installed by glaziers, can allow daylight to penetrate deeper into office spaces, creating positive responses among office workers. Supplementing daylighting with biophilic design—which incorporates plants and vegetation—can further improve employee morale and comfort while in the office.

Energy Savings

Daylight can also reduce dependency on artificial lighting to improve energy efficiency. Transparent glass walls can decrease reliance on interior lighting during daytime hours, reducing electrical consumption. The consequent reduction of reliance on electrical sources for producing interior light lowers energy costs and decreases a building’s carbon footprint. Depending on the lighting control system used, how well the space is daylit during occupied hours, and the intended functions of the space, multiple studies in office buildings have recorded energy savings ranging between 20% to 60% when daylighting is used in place of electric lighting. Increasing the use of natural resources, such as daylight, by careful use of windows and glass within the built environment reduces dependency on fossil fuels as well as the combustion of greenhouse gases.

There are different types of interior glass partitions systems available, each with their unique attributes and advantages including: frameless systems that offer uninterrupted glass spans that maximize daylighting and transparency; framed systems that offer a traditional look and reduce glass deflection; movable walls that create multi-purpose spaces; and freestanding post systems that are highly versatile and ideal for high ceilings where the glass cannot reach the top due to height limitations.

Image courtesy of geniant + Eastlake Studio, Kendall McCaugherty

Emerging technology provides the platform for highly detailed renderings and virtual experiences during the design phase. Along with incredible visual detail, extremely in-depth data facilitates documentation and accreditation. 

Building in Effective Sustainability with Digital Technology 

The AEC industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with Building Information Modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and sustainable design leading the way. Technological advances continue to reshape how professionals navigate every stage of design, from conceptualization to client presentations. New tools and connectivity advancements enable the creation of smarter, more adaptive environments and the prioritization of health, wellness, and functionality.

From Data to Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing priority in the AEC sector, especially as global climate commitments like the AIA 2030 Commitment and RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge approach their deadlines. Solutions like built-in embodied carbon calculators are helping firms analyze and reduce their projects’ environmental impact. As sustainability expectations rise, the demand for these tools will only increase. 

BIM continues to be the most widely adopted digital technology in the AEC sector, with 68% of professionals already using it. BIM centralizes project data, enhances collaboration, and improves overall efficiency, leading to a high return on investment (ROI) and transforming how we design, build, and collaborate. The data-driven design aspect of BIM software provides the added benefit of testing beforehand the performance of design choices. Sustainable design choices also can be tested when combining Material Resources that include EPDs (environmental product declarations) and the embodied carbon calculator worksheet to assess the project’s embodied carbon. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making strides in the AEC industry, though it is not yet as prevalent as BIM. The advantage of AI lies in its low barrier to entry. Unlike BIM or AR/VR, many AI-driven solutions can be implemented without significant time or financial investment. As AI tools become more tailored to industry needs, they are expected to revolutionize efficiency, automation, and decision-making processes.

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) are gaining traction, but their adoption comes with challenges. Unlike AI, which requires minimal resources to implement, AR/VR requires investments in software, hardware, and training. Despite these hurdles, AR/VR is proving valuable for project visualization, client presentations, and immersive design experiences. As technology becomes more accessible, these tools are expected to become standard in the industry.

Incorporating new software and technology means designers can iterate design options and material choices to achieve their project’s optimal appearance and performance. Resource management applications allow designers to browse an extensive library of sustainable options to use in design. Not only do these manufacturer-made resources offer realistic representations for renderings, they also contain data for documenting interior designs.

Specifying Glass Partitions with Confidence

Glass spans are advantageous to contemporary, dynamic interiors. There are different types of systems available, each with their unique attributes and advantages including: frameless systems that offer uninterrupted glass spans that maximize daylighting and transparency; framed systems that offer a traditional look and reduce glass deflection; movable walls that create multi-purpose spaces; and freestanding post systems that are highly versatile and ideal for high ceilings where the glass cannot reach the top due to height limitations.

Understanding System Options

Continuous and innovative advancement in glazed partitions can deliver exceptional, customized partition walls for any design, including scalable fixed and moveable glass wall systems. Interior glass partition walls are a stylish and practical way to elevate interiors. Glass partition walls allow light to flow throughout the space and promote transparency while maintaining the quiet areas an office needs to be most productive. The glass selection can also maximize daylight diffusion while eliminating glare. Whether ensuring abundant natural light for all employees or creating an open conference room to encourage the exchange of ideas, glass office partitions create a customizable, bright, and productive space. Grid systems on the glass add a custom look and eye-catching aesthetics. These grid systems are highly versatile and can be applied vertically or horizontally on the glass in different heights and widths.

A freestanding glass wall solution 

seamlessly defines interiors and can be adapted to the specific needs of a project. Numerous configurations allow architects and glaziers to use any combination of end posts, center posts, and corner posts. Other modern glazed partitions utilize concealed glass channels and no vertical extrusions to produce expansive, visually unbroken glass spans that are conducive to dynamic workspaces. These glass partition walls can pair with other interior systems and commercial glass door hardware, offering a high level of customization. 

Operable glazed doors are sometimes designed with a low-profile door frame and vertical extrusions, setting them apart from traditional framed partition systems. This leads to greater visibility and daylight diffusion and less visual disruption. These 

doors use height-adjustable hinges that do not require drilling. Door-to-wall and door-to-glass frame sets are available, along with unique floating door transoms that can produce floor-to-ceiling glass spans. 

With the demand for adaptable spaces that quickly accommodate change, the industry is seeing a trend toward large-scale movable walls being specified, including sliding glass doors and bi-folding glass doors. These doors become, in effect, movable walls that can open up a floor plan to create multi-functional and dynamic interior spaces. Movable glazed walls carry the same benefits as glazed partitions: they promote daylight diffusion within interiors, which bolsters employee morale and reduces dependency on artificial lighting. Movable walls can be specified to incorporate double-glazed insulating glass, which helps mitigate sound to improve privacy. Finally, movable walls have a large scale, which helps form contemporary visuals.

Movable wall sliding door systems, with a maximum panel width of 7 feet and height of 13 feet, deliver expansive scale and elegance. Advanced engineering provides for smooth, quiet operation, requiring minimal force to move expansive glass panes. Systems that utilize bottom rolling tracks eliminate strain on the overhead beam. Panel loads are evenly distributed across the bottom rolling components, resulting in a fluid, frictionless glide. The precision-engineered stainless-steel track further facilitates panel movement. Most notably, a North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) CW40 Performance Grade rating denotes systems well-suited even to exterior applications where high loads, limits on deflection, and heavy use are likely. 

Bi-folding doors represent a staple in movable wall systems, offering the most desirable features in looks and performance. Some offer a distinctly slim 4-3/4-inch vertical sightline and 1-7/16-inch panel rails to reduce visible hardware and produce a minimalist aesthetic that maximizes views. When closed, door hinges can be completely concealed to deliver an elegant and streamlined look. Superior thermal and structural performance is provided by using a 3-1/2-inch system depth. Depending on the manufacturer, these systems can also earn a distinguishing CW40 Performance Grade rating that makes the doors ideal for exterior applications where larger sizes, higher loading requirements, limits on deflection, and heavy use are expected.

Advances from glazing manufacturers offer design professionals exceptional performance in movable glazed walls without compromising aesthetics and function. These assets can be transformed into vibrant, adaptable interiors. 

Photo courtesy of CRL 

Scalable glass wall solutions seamlessly define interiors and can be customized to specific project needs. 

Photo courtesy of CRL 

Interior movable panels feature top-hung framed glass panels that fold and slide with minimal effort. 

Code and System Limitations

Interior glazed walls and partitions must adhere to IBC Section 2403.4 which states: “Interior glazed areas: Where interior glazing is installed adjacent to a walking surface, the differential deflection of two adjacent unsupported sides shall not be greater than the thickness of the panels when a force of 50 pounds per linear foot is applied horizontally to one panel at a point up to 42 inches above the walking surface.”

Interior glass partitions do have limitations when it comes to height and width, which are heavily dependent on glass thickness. The hardware used to secure the glass also plays a role. The National Glass 

Association (NGA) with GANA has issued an update in its Engineering Standards Manual, providing minimum thickness guidelines for fully tempered glass for interior glass partitions that are butt‐joint glazed or restrained at the top and bottom only.

Image courtesy of CRL

The fixed panels of interior glass partitions mounted or restrained on only two sides (top and bottom) require special design considerations. The National Glass Association (NGA), with GANA, has issued an update in its Engineering Standards Manual, providing minimum thickness guidelines for fully tempered glass for interior glass partitions that are butt‐joint glazed. 

These recommendations address an issue of concern in these applications that has frequently occurred. Some installations have been under-designed and installed with inadequate glass thickness, resulting in excessive glass deflection under indoor loads caused by stack action, HVAC changes, or doors opening and closing and people pushing or leaning on the glass. Since glass is perfectly elastic up to the point of failure, when it is deflected from a load, it will return to its original shape after the load is removed. However, glass that is too thin can tremble, shimmer, or deflect excessively even though the fully tempered glass meets the design probability of breakage requirements.

Additionally, IBC Code 1607.15 states that “Interior walls and partitions that exceed 6 feet in height, including their finish materials, shall have adequate strength and stiffness to resist the loads to which they are subject but not less than a horizontal load of 5 psf.” There are recommended minimum thicknesses of fully tempered glass required to meet the IBC code for lites that are not linked together or have open joints.

Applying Technology to Move Design Forward

When software applications in design are mentioned, Building Information Modeling, or BIM, often is thought of first. BIM is used to create and manage data, integrating multiple disciplines, throughout a project’s lifecycle. BIM stretches from design, to construction and operations, facilitating collaboration, improving accuracy, and enhancing project outcomes.  “BIM is the cornerstone of modern AEC innovation, transforming how we design, build, and collaborate,” said Rubina Siddiqui, Assoc. AIA and Senior Product Marketing Director, Vectorworks. “Centralizing data and fostering seamless communication empowers teams to create smarter, more efficient, and sustainable projects, making it the most essential technology in our industry today.” 

Yet, technology continues to offer new approaches in every stage of design, from conceptualization to client presentations. Tools and connectivity advancements help to create smarter, more adaptive environments. Cutting-edge tech, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) image generation, promises to transform ideation further by inspiring innovative designs.

Exploring New Horizons: LiDAR, AR, VR, and AI

LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges or variable distances. These light pulses, combined with other data recorded by the system, generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shapes and surface characteristics. A LiDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver. 

Leveraging LiDAR technology available in Apple iOS products simplifies the creation of software-based 3D conceptual models. Using an iPhone or iPad allows design professionals to scan entire rooms effortlessly, eliminating the need for tape measures or expensive laser equipment. Photogrammetry and point cloud capture facilitate data collection into the software. These tools then aid renovation projects by delivering precise spatial data and facilitating visual planning. By capturing point clouds, the software can also assist with site inventory.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are also becoming more common in the design process. These technologies immerse clients in a project, letting them visualize spaces. Such technology can also help to make informed decisions, whether in a residential or commercial project. Certain VR applications are compatible with popular VR headsets, providing immersive experiences with bird’s-eye views and walkthrough modes so that clients can engage with proposed models, view design options, and provide feedback with greater context and clarity.

Cutting-edge technologies like AI visualization software promise to transform ideation further by inspiring innovative designs. AI allows professionals to explore design ideas rapidly and quickly create multiple iterations of an initial design concept. As Kesoon Chance, senior industry specialist – interior architecture, explains, “Iterative Design is what happens when the ideas are flowing, and even if communication with your client is efficient, there isn’t a project existing or in planning that hasn’t gone through changes—it’s what’s needed to get the best possible collaboration with the designer and client.” AI applications can quickly produce an image based on a file or text prompt. The designer can also use AI applications to create detailed visualizations of a drawing. These capabilities make it a perfect tool for ideating concepts and creating presentations. 

Image courtesy of Vectorworks

Text prompts spur AI applications to create mood boards that explore design schemes.  This data can then be moved to 3D models. AI can transform design workflow, moving beyond traditional methods and enabling better visualization. 

As designers, the adoption of new technologies and practices promises to create better spaces and conditions for occupants and the planet alike. New tools allow the professional to push boundaries, reimagine possibilities, and design unhindered by limitations.

Photo courtesy of CRL

Acoustically rated systems accommodate dual glazing to significantly improve sound mitigation.

Preserving Sustainability and Facilitating Privacy: Glass and STC Ratings

While glass partitions can inherently achieve transparency and daylighting goals, many designs may also need to provide sound privacy. Innovations in glass partitions offer the perfect solution for creating modern privacy areas. With partitions, architects and designers can create office designs providing private work and meeting spaces for individuals or groups while maintaining a vibrant, open-office aesthetic.

Using STC Ratings to Achieve Design Goals

To help design professionals engineer better acoustical environments, ASTM E90, ASTM E413, and ASTM E2964 assign products an STC rating, which is an average of its acoustic performance across 18 different sound frequencies. The higher the rating, the more sound is blocked from going through the material. By understanding this rating of materials, the professional can gauge how much sound will be blocked as it passes through those materials. This is especially important in commercial construction. The sound transmission class was first introduced in 1961 and has since become the standard single-number metric to describe sound-blocking materials. In a product with an STC rating of 50 or above, even very loud noises such as operating machinery, musical instruments, and high-volume stereos, are reduced to tolerable background sounds. By design, the intent of an STC rating is to measure and rate interior walls, windows, and office partitions. The STC rating is appropriate for mid to high-frequency sounds such as speech, office equipment, and audio equipment. STC testing is conducted in a laboratory environment using specialized equipment.

The following is a standard STC Rating scale:

25: Normal speech can be heard and understood clearly

30: Normal speech can be heard but is difficult to understand

35: Loud speech can be heard, but normal speech cannot

40: Loud speech is barely audible and difficult to understand

45: Loud speech is inaudible

50: Very loud music is barely audible

60: Nearly complete soundproofing

A glazed office partition system with an STC rating of 40 will typically provide sufficient acoustic privacy in office interiors. The sound attenuation properties of surrounding walls also need to be calculated. Sound may still be transmitted through walls that are not properly insulated, despite having an office partition with a high STC rating. 

Glass Types and STC Ratings

include 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, and ½-inch monolithic tempered glass or 9/16-inch laminated glass. Glass itself generally does not have good sound attenuation properties; however, adding an interlayer between glass lites offers an effective approach to diminish sound. Laminated glass is typically chosen for projects that call for greater sound mitigation from glazing systems. Monolithic glass can still be used, but it should be paired with laminated glass in a double-glazed unit. Framed glass partition systems with two glass lites are the best privacy solution because they provide an effective buffer for incoming and outgoing speech. 

A properly designed double-glazed office partition with a 3-1/2-inch space between glass lites can offer, and even outperform, the soundproofing capabilities of a concrete wall of equal thickness. The larger the airspace between the glass lites, the better the sound attenuation properties. A double-glazed unit with a 6-Inch airspace will achieve an STC rating of approximately 15 points greater than a double-glazed unit with a ¼-inch airspace. Testing has shown that a double-glazed office partition system with an airspace of 3-1/2-inch and two ¼-inch laminated glass lites generate an STC rating of approximately 46, virtually the same rating obtained when using one ¼-inch laminated glass lite and one ¼-inch monolithic glass. Opting for the latter configuration of laminated and monolithic can result in significant savings because of reduced glass.

Choosing STC-Rated Glazed Partitions with Assurance 

Glass manufacturers and suppliers provide STC data for the glass alone. These ratings do not take other considerations into account, such as frame type or gasketing. Reputable manufacturers of glazed office partition systems will be able to provide STC reports for the entire system, using various glazing 

configurations. These reports should come from an approved third-party testing facility. STC reports should be included in the bid package. These certify that the office partition will meet the sound mitigation requirements and will also free designers from liability.

Image courtesy of LH Architekten

This smart BIM rendering allowed a German architectural firm to better collaborate and achieve environmental goals. 

Realizing Sustainability Goals with Technology

New technology is making the design process increasingly more powerful and interactive. But what happens when a client wants to incorporate sustainable elements into a project? Integrated applications empower designers to explore the project’s possibilities, achieving both optimal appearance and performance. 

Comparing each potential material’s lifecycle can ultimately guide the determination of the best choice by comparing price, longevity, installation cost, and other factors. Software enables prompt comparisons. Certain applications can also pinpoint materials with accreditations, like the Forest Stewardship Council or the Zero Forest Deforestation label. Considering the life cycle of a material is another way to balance beauty, functionality, and ecological responsibility. Reusing or recycling materials reduces waste, while natural materials like wood and stone are favored for their durability and timeless aesthetic, making them ideal for crafting enduring, charming interiors. Integrated carbon calculators can generate a custom worksheet pre-formatted to help calculate a project’s embodied carbon levels.

Philosophies like biophilic design are a great starting point when beginning a new project that targets enhanced sustainability. Biophilic design offers a powerful approach to sustainability and well-being. This design philosophy builds connections to nature by incorporating natural light, indoor plants, and organic patterns, reducing stress and cultivating healthier living environments. Three-dimensional (3D) modeling platforms allow varied integrations of sustainable approaches, facilitating options for the client. Then, perhaps, the design might add such modifications as a vertical garden or adjust the floor plan to allow for better natural light. 

When taking inspiration from examples of biophilic interior design, it is important to remember that the design does not have to fully replicate the style. Instead, pieces from the approach can be mixed and matched to deliver a unique design perspective. Modeling applications allow a designer access to a tremendous number of materials and add additional realism by utilizing texture. With textures and rendering, the professional can carefully examine the visual impact that different kinds of wood, greenery, and other materials could have on the aesthetics of the design. Embedded data within the natural design elements can even call out scientific names and other specifications of plants and materials.

Creation of natural, free-flowing shapes is possible with NURBS (non-uniform rational basis spline) modeling technology. NURBS modeling can be applied to nearly any piece of geometry. Extruded rectangles can be completely reshaped and add draped surfaces, helixes, or spirals.

End Notes

1. Abrams, Eric and Ohan Oumoudian. “How Technology Integration is Driving Innovation in AEC.” Geodecisions. November 5, 2024. https://www.geodecisions.com/blog/2024/11/5/how-technology-integration-is-driving-innovation-in-aec. Accessed March 12, 2025.
2. Christoffersen, J., Petersen, E., Johnsen, K., Valbjørn, O. and Hygge, S. (1999) Vinduer og dagslys – en feltundersøgelse i kontorbygninger (SBi - rapport 318) Hørsholm: Statens Byggeforskningsinstitut.
3. Lighting Research Center (2014) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Daylighting Resources – Productivity, http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/daylighting/dr_productivity.asp.
4. Wirz-Justice, A., Fournier, C. (2010) Light, Health and Wellbeing : Implications from chronobiology for architectural design, World Health Design, vol. 3.
5.  Robbins, C. L. (1986) Daylighting Design and Analysis, New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.
6. Mardaljevic, J. (2012) Daylight, Indoor Illumination and Human Behavior in Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology Springer-Verlag New York Inc, New York. ISBN 978-0-387-89469-0, pp 2804-2846.
7.  Galasiu, A. D.; Newsham, G. R.; Suvagau, C.; Sander, D. M. (2007). “Energy saving lighting control systems for open-plan offices: a field study” (PDF). Leukos, 4(1). pp. 7–29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 June 2010.
8. Siddiqui, Rubina. “Key Technologies Shaping the AEC Industry in 2025 and Beyond.” Nemetschek Group. February 19, 2025. https://blog.nemetschek.com/en/topics-and-insights/vectorworks-report-2025. Accessed March 12, 2025.
9. Digital Technology Trends in the AEC Industry” 2025 Report. Vectorworks. https://download2.vectorworks.net/ebooks/us/guides/25-aec-digital-trends-research-survey.pdf. Accessed March 12, 2025.
10. “What is lidar?” National Ocean Service. National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/lidar.html. Accessed March 17, 2025.