Subjective assessments of the appearance of special performance glazing in offices

Abstract

The responses of office staff to the appearances of windows which have modified glazing transmission characteristics were examined in a series of model studies. A large two-liquid filter enabled subjects to adjust the transmission characteristics of the window glazing to achieve various visual criteria. It was found that the acceptability of an office can be increased by the use of reduced transmittance glazing, and that generally there is a preference for a colour effect that gives a warm shift, but these preferences can be influenced by room and window sizes and by room decor. The effects of these, as well as practical limitations governing glazing materials, upon applications of special performance glazing materials are discussed. In addition some interesting insights emerged as to the visual aspects of windows which influence the satisfaction of office staff.