ARCHITECTURAL MATERIALS
instantly from transparent to dark while maintaining a neutral colour, offering protection against glare and heat without compromising on natural daylight. As a result, a building will need less air- conditioning on warm days, saving vital energy and CO2
.
A focus on wellbeing Anecdotally, the positive effects of natural light on wellbeing have long been known, but are also backed up with scientific evidence. A study on the effects of natural daylight by Environ Health Insights in 20183
found that patients who
had a bed near a window with natural light stayed in hospital less time than those who did not. Dynamic glass not only provides essential natural light, but because it can be tinted when a patient needs to sleep, or is finding the light too bright, it delivers a shading solution that is in the patient’s control. It is also sterile and easy to clean, eliminating the need for microbe-hosting fabric blinds. A well-lit hospital is not only beneficial
for patients. Recent studies have revealed a dramatic reduction in absenteeism and health problems for people working in an environment with ideal ‘lightwellness’. In other words, when incoming light and heat are controlled, people feel better and are less likely to become ill. This equates to an extra 4.4 days of productivity gained,4
and 0.7 sick days averted;5 a
£730 m saving on health costs, and a £70 m saving on energy.6
Best practice simulation tools Research by deep green engineering practice, Elementa Consulting,7
has
revealed that dynamic liquid crystal glazing offers a more positive impact on occupants’ health and wellbeing than traditional electrochromic glass. Using best practice lighting simulation tools to undertake a series of visualisations and analysis, Elementa investigated how two types of established electrochromic glass compared with the recently developed liquid crystal glazing. Elementa looked at performance in three areas: colour, speed, and circadian wellbeing. When tested for colour rendering, liquid crystal glass maintained a neutral grey tone across the entire tint spectrum, while electrochromic glass displayed a blue colouration, which can impact the perceived colour and brightness of illuminated objects in the indoor environment. The transition time of controlling
glare was examined to ascertain if a comfortable working environment, supporting productivity, was maintained. Research showed that users were able to modify shading states of liquid crystal glazing instantaneously. Electrochromic products needed at least 15 minutes to restore visual comfort levels, meaning
48 Health Estate Journal April 2022
Dynamic liquid crystal glazing provides instant solar shading without compromising on natural daylight.
that occupants are at risk of elevated levels of glare, and may seek alternative ways – such as blinds or curtains – to protect themselves from sunlight.
Dynamic window technologies’ impact on health Elementa’s study also examined the impact of dynamic window technologies on occupants’ health, focusing on the alignment with their natural body clock, which is triggered by dedicated receptors on the retina, and responsible for the sleep-wake rhythm. All three glazing products tested met minimum requirements of light exposure and intensity during their bright and dark states. However, glazing that uses electrochromic technology, producing a blue colouration to the glass when tinted, induces an environment that disrupts occupants’ body clocks in the afternoon by suppressing melatonin levels and raising alertness. In contrast, by maintaining a neutral environment across the tint spectrum, liquid crystal windows support occupants’ natural circadian rhythms throughout the day.
Creating agile interiors The pandemic has highlighted the need for flexibility in the design and planning of healthcare facilities. Interior spaces need to be agile so that they can be readily converted for ICUs or isolation units, should there be a need in the future, while resolving the ongoing conflicting and intermittent needs for natural light, social connection, privacy, and impeccable hygiene. Many hospitals make use of curtains
between beds to provide privacy in wards, but not only can these restrict access to daylight, but they also present a hygiene hazard, and, of course, require regular washing – which requires resources, and raises questions around sustainability. Privacy for patients undergoing a
consultation is essential, and switchable privacy glass partitions offer a practical solution – providing transparent, easily cleaned, and hygienic separation between bed bays, and replacing the need for fabric curtains. Ideally, patients undergoing a long hospital stay should be offered the opportunity to enjoy a visual
Highly versatile, privacy glass can provide numerous functions inside hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
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