Light-control glass at Indiana University medical building

“We wanted a high-tech glass that would eliminate mechanical shading systems in several areas throughout the building due to the unique characteristics of the architectural layout. Our goal was to incorporate the latest and most innovative technologies in the center reflecting the innovative ongoing research in the facility, and to use energy saving systems where budget would allow.”
–Richard Thompson, senior associate, university architect for research, Indiana University.

The basics: The Indiana University Health Information and Translational Sciences Building, Indianapolis, features large, architecturally sized smart-glass with a light-control film. The SPD-SmartGlass project took more than three years to compete, and was implemented in two phases.

The players: Architect, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, New York City; glass system designer and engineer, Innovative Glass Corp., Plainview, N.Y.; SPD film technology developer, Research Frontiers, Woodbury, N.Y.; film producer, Hitachi Chemical Co., Japan; contract glazier, Architectural Glass & Metal, Indianapolis.

The glass: Electrified glass panels with SPD-Smart film. The film’s tint level and light transmission can be adjusted from 1 percent to more than 50 percent in just a few seconds using a wall switch or remote control, according to an Innovative Glass Corp. release.