This course is part of the Glass and Glazing Design Academy

Window Placement

Strategic placement of windows is a fundamental aspect of architectural design that allows architects to harness natural light effectively and provide occupants with desirable views of the surrounding environment. Architects who carefully consider the orientation and location of windows can create spaces that are well-lit, comfortable, visually engaging, and also support positive mental health.

According to Lisa Heschong, “The placement of a window... determines not only the flow of daylight into a building but also the view out of a building. Not many other architectural elements have such distinctly dualistic, and sometimes contradictory, purposes. Where we might want the most daylight illumination in a room may be quite different from where we want to look out. Composing a symphony of daylight illumination inside a building could potentially be at odds with which perspective we desire of the outside world. Resolving this discrepancy is certainly one of the challenges of artful daylighting design.”

South-facing windows receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, making them an ideal placement for optimizing daylighting. By incorporating larger windows on the southern facade, architects can capture abundant natural light, especially during the winter months when the sun's angle is lower. This not only illuminates the interior space but also contributes to passive solar heating, reducing the reliance on heating systems and enhancing energy efficiency.

Windows on the east and west sides can provide beautiful morning and evening views, but they are also more prone to excessive solar heat gain, especially during hot seasons. To mitigate this, architects may incorporate shading devices, such as overhangs, louvers, fins, or awnings, to block or diffuse direct sunlight when it's most intense. This helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduces the need for air conditioning.

North-facing windows provide a more consistent, indirect light throughout the day since they receive less direct sunlight. Although they may not offer as much natural light as south-facing windows, they can still be strategically placed to supplement daylighting without causing glare or overheating. North-facing windows are particularly suitable for areas where a more diffused and evenly distributed light is desirable, such as art studios or office spaces.

The use of daylight modeling tools during the design phase can help architects simulate the effects of natural light at different times of the day and year. This approach allows them to optimize glazing design for both natural light availability and visual comfort, creating spaces that are well-lit and pleasant to inhabit.

Skylights and Clerestory Windows

In addition to traditional windows, architects can incorporate skylights and clerestory windows to introduce natural light from above. Skylights placed on the roof bring in sunlight directly from overhead, illuminating the space below and creating a sense of openness. Clerestory windows, positioned at the upper part of a wall, allow daylight to penetrate deeper into the interior without compromising privacy.

According to one study, 49 retail chains in California that were retrofitted with skylights experienced a 40 percent increase in sales after the addition of skylights. Further research by Terrapin Bright Green indicates that, on average, skylights contribute to a statistical increase of $1.55 per square foot in sales for grocery stores, clothing outlets, and retail chains nationwide.

What makes skylights such an effective source of daylight is their ability to bring in light from the brightest part of the sky, reaching areas untouched by perimeter windows. Not only do they direct sunlight straight into spaces, but they also capture light reflected from clouds and various surfaces, creating a dynamic and pleasant illumination.

Biophilic Design and Ventilation

The concept of daylighting and view is part of “biophilic design” in which architects connect people with nature by incorporating natural elements, patterns, and processes into the built environment. This design philosophy recognizes the innate human need for contact with nature and acknowledges the positive impact that nature has on our well-being. Integrating biophilic elements into architectural glazing can have profound effects on occupants' mental health and overall sense of well-being. Maximizing daylight in all the ways discussed above is also part of biophilic design because the distribution of natural light creates a biophilic environment.

The strategic placement of windows enables architects to frame and capture captivating views of the surrounding landscape. By situating windows to align with specific focal points or key features outside, such as a scenic vista, a lush garden, or an architectural landmark, architects can enhance the overall experience of being inside the building. Views of nature and aesthetically pleasing environments have been linked to reduced stress levels. Even urban views with significant sky exposure can evoke feelings of connection to nature, reduce stress, and enhance the overall ambiance of the space.

Incorporating living walls or vertical gardens adjacent to glazing can bring nature directly into the indoor environment. These green installations also can improve air quality and create a calming and visually appealing setting, fostering a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. And, biophilic design can be achieved through the glass itself, such as through decorative glass and dynamic glazing. Decorative glass with patterns resembling natural elements like leaves or flowing water can create a more organic and inviting atmosphere. Dynamic glazing, which adjusts its transparency based on factors such as sunlight intensity, can make occupants feel connected to the changing natural environment.

A multitude of studies have demonstrated the positive impact of biophilic design on mental health and well-being, all of which go hand-in-hand with the studies on natural light and views. The evidence supporting the positive effects of biophilic design on reducing stress, improving cognitive function, enhancing mood, and overall mental restoration highlights the importance of integrating nature-inspired elements in our built environments for a healthier and happier living and working experience.

In addition, large operable glass windows and doors provide a literal connection to the outdoors—encouraging building occupants to step outside and utilize outdoor areas for serene relaxation, dining, entertaining guests, and other activities.

Natural ventilation from operable windows can have several positive effects on occupant health and well-being. It can help improve indoor air quality by bringing in fresh air from the outdoors and flushing out stale indoor air. This can reduce levels of indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. It can help regulate indoor temperature and humidity levels, creating a more comfortable indoor environment, and ultimately leading to a reduction in the need for mechanical cooling and heating, which can save energy and reduce costs.

The regulation of indoor temperature and air quality leads to another benefit: it can promote better sleep quality. Studies have shown that, just like with natural light, exposure to fresh air and lower indoor temperatures can lead to deeper, more restful sleep. During the day, natural airflow can promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, which tends to have a ripple effect of mental health benefits for occupants.

Designing for Security

To support occupant mental health, architects must strike a balance between safety, security, and comfort. This involves integrating protective glazing solutions seamlessly into the overall design, considering the specific needs of the occupants, and promoting an environment that fosters positive mental well-being. By using glazing strategically and combining it with other design elements that promote natural light, views, and a sense of openness, architects can design a space that is both secure and supportive of occupant mental health.

School Security Glazing
In response to increasing concerns about school safety, architects may incorporate forced entry-resistant glazing in areas like entryways and administrative offices. The goal is to create a secure environment that reduces the potential for harm by intruders and provides more time and visibility for first responders. Still, to support occupant mental health, these glazing solutions should be designed in a way that does not make students and staff feel excessively confined or anxious. Integrating elements like natural light, views of outdoor spaces, and calming aesthetics can help maintain a positive learning atmosphere.

Hurricane-Impact Glazing
Hurricane-impact glazing is designed to protect buildings from high winds, flying debris, and water intrusion during severe weather events. While this type of glazing provides essential safety benefits, architects should ensure that it allows for ample daylighting and views during non-hazardous periods. Maximizing natural light, especially in educational settings, has been shown to positively impact cognitive function and the overall learning experience.

Fire-Rated Glazing
Fire-rated glazing is used to contain the spread of fire and smoke while allowing for visibility during emergencies. In schools and other occupied buildings, it's essential to balance fire safety with the occupants' mental well-being. Architects can strategically incorporate fire-rated glazing in corridors and exit areas to maintain visual connections, reduce feelings of panic, and aid in wayfinding during an evacuation.

“The number of options and plethora of technical data can sometimes be overwhelming,” says Julia Schimmelpenningh of Eastman Chemical Company, who spends her days testing—and often breaking—glass so that it will hold up against car accidents, hurricanes, active shooter attacks and daily exposure to harmful UV rays. “Understanding what performance is needed and what they want out of the glass is the key to getting the correct specification. The other challenge is oftentimes connecting with the proper supplier, as the local glass shop may not necessarily have what you need readily available. So planning, research, and utilization of technical services and associations that are experts in glass can help.”