The use of glass as a building material positively impacts learning, healing, productivity and well-being, according to a white paper published by Guardian Industries and the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. The findings highlight the significant influence daylighting and outside views have on employees, workers, students, consumers and patients
"The Benefits of Glass: A Literature Review on the Qualitative Benefit of Glass on Building Occupants" is a compilation of research on the occupational, physical, psychological, economic and social benefits related to daylighting and outside views, as well as other non-energy-related benefits of exterior glass.
"An important goal for sustainable buildings is not only the ability to save energy and preserve our natural resources, but also the ability to design and build healthy, productive environments," says Chris Dolan, Guardian's director of commercial glass marketing. "Having an extensive qualitative analysis of these studies encourages those of us in the glass industry, the architectural and design community and building owners and managers to have a conversation about all the benefits of glass as a building material."
"The Benefits of Glass" looks at evidence of improved learning and test scores, reduced hospital stays and increased patient comfort, and reduced absenteeism among the variety of positive impacts of glass on workers, patients, students and consumers. Authors Kathy Velikov of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), assistant professor of architecture at the University of Michigan, and Julie Janiski, senior sustainability consultant and project leader at Buro Happold Consulting Engineers, focused on commonly cited literature to identify consistently proven research outcomes and opportunities for further analysis, according to the announcement.
