A memorable political punchline last year for building teams involved how windows would shrink to tiny sizes and perhaps even disappear should the wrong candidates be elected. The joke was lost on most professionals. The fact is, more than ever, openness and copious daylight remain among the most desirable characteristics for end-users in a range of building types. This means applying bigger openings, jumbo sizes, and more glass everywhere-including in ways that help improve energy performance, life safety and wellness, and overall quality of experience. Recent studies show why these investments in expanding glazing can be so valuable. In one survey published in the journal Human Factors (bit.ly/2INwy0G), office occupants "that have more open and natural views rated their room satisfaction more highly." A study in Building and Environment shows offices with access to daylight and views measurably improve cognitive performance and satisfaction while also reducing eyestrain. Our understanding of these dynamics is better, yet the latest research findings are nothing new. For a long-range perspective, a U.S. National Bureau of Standards study from 1975 (bit.ly/2108rPp) addresses "the windowless situation" then affecting schools, factories, housing, offices, and hospitals seeking to reduce first costs or save energy, yet also raising psychological issues. In the wake of the oil embargo, the authors wrote, "The current need for energy conservation has forced some fundamental re-evaluation of building design."
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