Illuminating Spaces
1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 IDCEC CEU/HSW; 0.1 ICC CEU; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 AIBD P-CE; AAA 1 Structured Learning Hour; This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines; AAPEI 1 Structured Learning Hour; This course can be self-reported to the AIBC, as per their CE Guidelines.; MAA 1 Structured Learning Hour; This course can be self-reported to the NLAA.; This course can be self-reported to the NSAA; NWTAA 1 Structured Learning Hour; OAA 1 Learning Hour; SAA 1 Hour of Core Learning
Learning Objectives:
- List some of the mental health benefits daylighting can provide.
- Explain why the use of glass and glazing products is important to consider in the design phase.
- Describe protective glass products and how they might impact occupant mental health.
- Discuss the ways in which glazing can maximize views and support mental well-being.
This course is part of the Glass and Glazing Design Academy
Designing for Privacy
One of the primary considerations for architects is ensuring the privacy of building occupants. While large windows and expansive glazing can offer stunning views and flood interiors with daylight, they can also compromise the sense of privacy for those inside. The feeling of being constantly exposed to the outside world can cause discomfort, stress, and a lack of security in private spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, and areas meant for personal reflection.
To address these concerns, architects can strategically position windows and glazing elements to avoid direct lines of sight into these private areas. By carefully selecting the placement and size of windows, occupants can still benefit from natural light and views without feeling exposed or intruded upon by external observers. Public and communal areas can have more expansive glazing and views to promote a sense of openness and connection, while private and sensitive areas should be carefully secluded and shielded from external views.
Another effective solution is the use of frosted or patterned glass. This type of glass is particularly useful for spaces like bathrooms or conference rooms, where privacy is crucial. Patterned glass incorporates artistic designs or textures that break up the view, providing a similar level of privacy while adding an aesthetic touch to the space.
Switchable private glass, also known as smart glass or privacy glass, is an innovative type of glazing that can change its transparency from opaque to transparent or vice versa with the application of an electric current. This unique characteristic allows it to provide on-demand privacy and control over the amount of light entering a space without the need for traditional window coverings like curtains or blinds.
The primary principle behind switchable private glass is the use of special materials, such as liquid crystals or suspended particle devices (SPDs), that can alter their molecular alignment when an electric current is applied. When the glass is switched "on" or transparent state, the molecules align, allowing light to pass through and creating a clear view. When the glass is switched "off" or opaque state, the molecules disperse, scattering the light and making the glass appear frosted or obscure, thereby obstructing the view and ensuring privacy.
STANDARDS AND PERFORMANCE
Glazing designs focused on natural light and views can optimize both mental and physical needs, whether at home, school, work, hospitals, transportation centers, or even vehicles. And larger glass sizes are being used in both residential and commercial design to increase that ability to enhance natural daylight and view. It is important to note that some positive benefits of natural light and views go out the window, so to speak, if other elements, like thermal discomfort and glare, are not considered carefully. This is one of many reasons it is important for architects and other specifiers to understand the misconceptions and realities of glazing and approach it as a whole system. Achieving the goals of daylighting and views need to be understood within the context of performance standards, which are valuable to occupants and affect physical and mental health as well.
According to a recent National Association of Homebuilders study, of all the efficient features one could have, 83 percent of homeowners found it essential or highly desirable to have energy-efficient windows, making it number one on the list of priorities.
When selecting window assemblies for big-glass designs, there are multiple factors to consider. For instance, while increasing the amount of glazing can increase heating and cooling demand, the daylighting achieved through more glazing can significantly reduce electric lighting demand. Reducing the amount of heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a building is one way to reduce heating and cooling costs and improve occupant comfort. The ability to control solar heat gain is also important. While some solar heat gain may be desirable in colder climates, where it can help reduce heating costs, excessive solar heat gain can be a problem in warmer climates, where it can increase cooling costs and make indoor spaces uncomfortable. High-performance glass and the use of thermal barriers can also be used to help boost energy efficiency and control solar heat gain.
Energy-efficient windows are typically designed to reduce both heat loss and solar heat gain, and may include features such as low-emissivity coatings, reflective coatings, thermal barriers, and insulating gas fills between panes of glass. By selecting windows that address both issues, architects can help reduce energy costs for occupants and improve the comfort of indoor spaces.
Low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are designed to reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the glass in cold weather. Emissivity is a measure of how well the surface of an object absorbs and re-radiates (or gives off) thermal energy. Very reflective surfaces have a low emissivity, and duller objects that absorb heat have a high emissivity. Emissivity is measured on a scale ranging from 0.0 to 1.0, with 0.0 being a perfect reflector and 1.0 being a perfect emitter, aka a “blackbody.” (A blackbody is a theoretical object in physics that does not really exist but is a useful concept when talking about emissivity.)
Low-e coatings work by reflecting heat back into the room, rather than allowing it to escape through the glass. In addition to reducing heat loss in winter, certain solar selective low-e coatings can also help control solar heat gain in the summer by reflecting some of the sun's heat back outside. The microscopically thin, transparent metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a glass surface can be selected from a variety of options with different levels of heat gain control to match different climate needs.
Case Study: Family Service & Guidance Center in Topeka, Kansas
Photo courtesy of Architect One, Inc.
Interior of the new Center shows a second-floor suite featuring clearstory glazing and natural light.
Project Overview: Family Service & Guidance Center leads the way in children's mental health services, serving over 10,000 children, teens, and families from more than 30 Kansas counties annually. Recognizing the limitations of their current space to meet the growing demand, Architect One, Inc., led by Scott Gales, Jacquelyn Rakoski-Diediker, and Andrew D. Thomas, took up the challenge of designing a new facility that would cater to their client’s needs while promoting mental well-being.
Impact of Natural Light: Freed recognized the significance of natural light for mental health and well-being. Previous experiences with artificial lighting revealed its negative effects on clients dealing with mental health issues. With the new design, the facility's lighting closely mimics natural light, harnessing the benefits of Vitamin D and serotonin, which help reduce anxiety and improve mood and sleep.
Site Selection for Views: Adopting a holistic approach, the architects thoroughly analyzed potential sites and building requirements. Keeping in mind the unique needs of the clients, they focused on functions that support mental health and addressed security concerns. Ultimately, they chose the existing South Parking Lot, providing picturesque views of a large pond and surrounding trees, creating a serene environment away from busy streets.
Privacy and Daylighting: “We are with clients who are suicidal, maybe homicidal, and windows are just a huge risk factor,” says Travis Freed, LMLP, Director, Crisis & Recovery Services. “That’s a complication of it, right? You have to have secure, impact-resistant windows, and a lot of times you'll see facilities put bars on windows. You'll see facilities put opaque covers over the entire windows, so it really reduces the amount of natural light coming in. In our current facility, we have large windows in our bedrooms, but we basically put plexiglass in them, which works from a safety standpoint, but it wasn't ideal for light coming in.”
For the new facility, the architects utilized advanced modeling techniques to optimize the building's orientation to harness natural light. The goal was to create an atmosphere akin to outdoor lighting, positively impacting mood and well-being. To ensure privacy for the children without compromising on natural light, the architects used a combination of glazing techniques. Frosted films on the lower halves of windows allowed ample daylight while maintaining discretion from inside and outside. The upper portions of the windows were fitted with clear laminated glass to enhance brightness and light transmission.
Color and Material Selection: The architects aimed to instill a warm and inviting ambiance within the center. After extensive tests with around 20 different colors, they settled on a soothing beige finish and a calming blue finish for the interior walls. To ensure safety, impact-resistant drywall was used throughout the bedrooms, providing a secure environment for the children.
Creating a Sense of Warmth: Emphasizing the importance of a welcoming atmosphere in the bedrooms, the architects incorporated natural light through clear glazing and complemented it with natural wallcoverings. This design approach aimed to establish a connection to nature, known to facilitate the healing process.
Client Involvement and Collaboration: Throughout the project, the architects collaborated closely with the Family Service & Guidance Center staff, who played a vital role in shaping the program and design elements to cater to the specific needs of the children and adolescents. The architects diligently worked to bring the staff's vision to life, showcasing the power of collaboration in creating spaces that positively impact the lives of those in need.
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