The category of glazings collectively termed “smart glass” are adding to the interior and enclosure applications.
New techniques developed for smart glass include thin films that can display augmented reality (AR) information in compatible devices or convert solar energy into electricity, or both.
Similarly, ultrathin photodetectors—used in many smartphones—hold promise for glazings with automated sensing properties, according to Corning, which collaborated with Penn State’s Materials Research Institute on a novel way to integrate the light detectors with the manufacturer’s chemically strengthened Gorilla Glass.
While glazings with instant smarts will one day grace building façades and interior partitions, current commercial applications are focused on optimizing daylight, according to Brad Pfahler, Project Manager with Studio Ma.
“We are working on residential and institutional projects exploring very high-performance solutions such as net-zero energy and water, and advanced techniques are necessary to get to net zero, and one of the options is electrochromic glass,” says Pfahler.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Oct 27, 2021
Treating Glass as a Canvas
In the world of fine art, a master painter begins with canvas selection. A linen canvas is nearly always selected over cotton because nothing delivers the artist’s authentic vision quite like linen. Similarly, with glass.
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Oct 27, 2021
True Clarity for Ambitious Design
Clear glass is extremely common and is popular for a variety of architectural design applications, including vision glass, spandrel glass, storefronts, entryways and other exterior uses. It is specified repeatedly due to its versatility and ability to serve as a substrate for solar control, low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. However, when specifying glass to achieve a desired aesthetic, design professionals know that clear glass isn’t completely clear.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 26, 2021
14 projects recognized by DOE for high-performance building envelope design
The inaugural class of DOE’s Better Buildings Building Envelope Campaign includes a medical office building that uses hybrid vacuum-insulated glass and a net-zero concrete-and-timber community center.
![Façade design for cost, performance, and delivery [AIA course]](/sites/default/files/styles/list_big/public/Fac%CC%A7ade%20design%20for%20cost%2C%20performance%2C%20and%20delivery.jpg?itok=_g3LVfPZ "Façade design for cost, performance, and delivery [AIA course]")
Glass and Glazing | Oct 26, 2021
Façade design for cost, performance, and delivery [AIA course]
HOK Technical Principal David Frey outlines best practices for designing building envelopes that live up to the aesthetic vision of the project while being cost-effective, high-performing, and quick to install.
Fire-Rated Products | Oct 21, 2021
Safti First Fights Through Assertions Made By Plaintiffs Ely Holdings Limited And Greenlite Glass Systems That Safti First’s Fire Rated Floor System Infringed On Their Patent
In a summary judgement dated February 3, 2021, Chief Magistrate Joseph C. Spero of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the patent infringement claims filed by Ely Holdings Limited (Ely) and Greenlite Glass Systems (Greenlite) against SAFTI FIRST, a USA fire rated glass and framing manufacturer, could not proceed to trial, finding that the SAFTI FIRST’s fire resistant floor does not violate Ely’s patent.
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Oct 1, 2021
Specifying Responsibly to Save Birds’ Lives
Realizing sustainable, bird-friendly glass design
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Oct 1, 2021
Seizing the Daylight with BIPV Glass
Glass has always been an idea generator. Now, it’s also a clean energy generator.
Glass and Glazing | Sep 30, 2021
Plans move forward on Central Place Sydney, duel towers with an AI-driven façade system
SOM and Fender Katsalidis are designing the project.
75 Top Building Products | Dec 2, 2020
Top Glass and Glazing Products for 2020
Viracon's Thermal Spacer and YKK's YWW 50 TU Thermally Broken Window Wall are among the 7 new glass and glazing products to make Building Design + Construction's 2020 75 Top Products report.
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Nov 12, 2020
Fire Rated Glass Makes Visual Connectivity Possible, Beautiful and Affordable at Campus Housing
