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7 Things to Consider When Designing a Commercial Interior using Glass Walls
January 9, 2018
The debate still rages over whether closed or open office floor plans are better for productivity. Glass walls offer a compromise that makes the best of both worlds and provides a balance of collaboration and privacy that is ideal for many office set-ups. However, installing glass walls represents a significant investment, so before you commit to incorporating them into your workspace, check out these seven things to consider.
1. Workplace Aesthetics
Glass walls are typically associated with modern construction, but can be incorporated into older buildings to modernize an interior space and give it the feeling of openness. Glass complements other stylistic aspects of the office, allowing them to come to the forefront and works in both modern interiors as well as more traditional settings.
2. Sound and Acoustics
One of the most commonly heard complaints against open workspaces is how noisy they can be. This is especially apparent in businesses that rely heavily on phone calls. Glass walls offer a solution in that they can be outfitted with noise absorbing materials to help cut down on office noise, without blocking light or making interiors feel enclosed. It’s important to hire a contractor specialized in acoustic planning to adequately plan and address acoustic design before building or remodeling a commercial interior, to avoid issues such as echo.
3. Space Requirements
Glass walls can make small spaces look larger because they open up a floor plan. However, in a floor plan that is already open, they can restrict space and make a previously roomy office seem cramped. Make sure that you choose the right space and have adequate room for these types of walls before planning and installing them.
4. Natural Light
Perhaps the biggest benefit of glass walls is the natural light they let in. They allow sunlight to penetrate even into interior rooms. This saves money on energy bills, reducing the need for interior lighting. Exposure to natural light also has an effect on mood. It has been shown to make employees feel more alert and happier in general.
5. Privacy Concerns
One of the major concerns associated with glass walls is that they allow relatively little privacy. People passing by may catch a glimpse of private meetings or even sensitive information on a computer screen. These concerns can be mitigated by installing blinds or by having designated private areas. Companies such as Avanti Systems offer privacy smart glass that will transform from transparent to opaque almost instantly, offering instantaneous privacy when needed.
6. Communication
While glass walls do act as a partition, they are not necessarily an impediment to communication or collaboration. Often, simply being able to look through the wall and see that a colleague is available is enough to open up communication. While walls and doors often impede communication, glass walls take away these barriers and allow employees to collaborate more openly.
7. Frames vs. Frameless
Frameless glass walls are a popular option in today’s modern office, giving a clean and polished look to an interior space. Frameless walls look great, but unfortunately, they can also pose a safety hazard. Workers and visitors can easily walk into them, which can be embarrassing as well as dangerous. If you have a space that tends to echo, glass walls can also be framed with sound-dampening materials to cut down on noise.
Glass walls can offer many benefits when incorporated into a commercial space and companies like Avanti Systems USA are the experts in manufacturing and distributing of interior glazed solutions. For more information, visit www.avantisystemsusa.com.
Company: 
Avanti Systems USA
Source: http://www.avantisystemsusa.com
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