Microsoft is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, United States that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related tocomputing through its various product divisions.
Microsoft are working on some very exciting projects in Europe in the coming years and therefore have invested in their Lisbon Headquarters where they will service their European markets.
Challenge
Microsoft continuously push the boundaries with their innovative and unique products and wanted to reflect this in their EU Headquarters.
Solution
LC SmartGlass provides efficient utilization of space for office interiors, offering instant privacy on demand at the flick of a switch. LC SmartGlass provides simple, instantaneous and reversible states of transparency with no alteration of light level making it an ideal solution for office interiors where ample lighting is fundamental.
The quality and simplicity of LC SmartGlass provides the ideal environment of privacy for office interiors and conference rooms.
Result
LC SmartGlass partitioning has created small subdivisions of office spaces delivering instant privacy to carry out important meetings and presentations, without distractions from onlookers, and co-workers eliminating the “goldfish bowl” effect.
The sleek, sophisticated appearance is an aethetically pleasing interior solution eliminating the need for curtains/blinds which can look dated and unpleasant.
The Globe is undeniably becoming the landmark for CERN. The role of this new spherical building is to serve as a source of pride for the scientific community by sharing the important work done at CERN not only with those living in the regions of France and Switzerland surrounding Geneva but more generally with the whole of Europe.
At 27 metres in height and 40 metres in diameter, it’s about the size of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. A landmark by day and by night, the Globe stands out in the wine-growing countryside not far from Geneva. Its wooden structure constituting a symbol of sustainable development, the Globe sends a clear message on science, particle physics, cutting-edge technologies and their applications in everyday life.
Challenge
The Globe of Science and Innovation is the responsibility of the CERN Communication Group, whose mandate is to “increase awareness of CERN’s importance in the world while providing a large arena for interaction between science and society”. Only recently opened to the public, the Globe will house world renowned exhibitions and presentations. The CERN Communication Group receive enormous interest in the venue for events and prestigious showcases resulting in a busy schedule.
At the top of the dome is a glass structure which floods the entire space with light creating a bright and spacious interior.
However, this is not ideal when darkness is required to show presentations and project images within the space. This proved to be a significant design challenge where light and darkness would be required at various times throughout the day.
Solution
SPD SmartGlass can be manually or automatically “tuned” to precisely control the amount of light, glare and heat passing through a window. The level of light entering the building can be controlled to create the desired environment that is required. In this case, when a presentation is taking place and darkness is required the glass is switched to its “Off” state blocking 99.4% of light.
Result
It is now possible to darken the environment within the globe at the flick of a switch, providing the ideal enviroment where presentations can be screened in high contrast eliminating the need for window coverings whilst maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the globe.
Testimonials
“The Globe has rapidly become an important communication tool for CERN. Aside from purely practical considerations, we had to make sure that we didn’t change the atmosphere of the Globe or spoil its architectural beauty. The new technology (SPD SmartGlass) meets all these criteria. It’s also consistent with the message of science and innovation we want to convey. The screen now has an excellent contrast, so our goal has been achieved – in the smartest way you could imagine!” Bernard Pellequer, CERN
Client: Rothschild Investment Bank Location: London City Project Type: Commercial Office Interior Download PDF: Click hereContact Us: Click here
Client
Rothschild Investment Bank
Project
OMA recently completed their first architectural project in London City’s Square Mile. New Court comprises a central cube of ten efficient and flexible open-plan office floors, which facilitate views over St. Stephen’s and the surrounding City. This cube is linked to four adjoining annexes, with meeting rooms, enclosed offices, vertical circulation, reception areas, and a staff cafe and gym. This in turn is overlooked by a Sky Pavilion – a small tower with three double-height storeys peering out over the city – which houses meeting and dining rooms and a multifunctional panorama room with extraordinary and unfamiliar views across the City, including St. Paul Cathedral.
Challenge
The new 21,000sqm building is located in the narrow medieval alley of St Swithin’s Lane, in the heart of the City, a dense space. OMA Architects wanted to open up the building and particularly the Sky Pavilion to create an almost transparent tower where light and space could be maximised.
Solution
Switchable privacy glass was specified at design stage allowing Architects OMA to open up the Sky Pavilion and create a spacious platform maximising light and offering a panoramic view over Londons skyline. LC SmartGlass was used to create a series of switchable glass partitions separating general office space from private meeting rooms within the first and second floor of the tower. Lord Rothschild’s office is located on the top floor of the Sky Pavilion overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London. Floor to ceiling LC SmartGlass partitioning was used within this space to create a sleek, sophisticated interior whilst allowing for instant privacy on demand.
Result
Rothschild Bank is now an icon amidst the London skyline and has received praise for its unique design.
“We lifted the building so the ground becomes a manifesto about the richness of London’s history” – Architect Rem Koolhaas
Testimonials
“SmartGlass International pulled out all the stops on our project, great service, great product” Phil Douce, Clestra Hauserman
Chevron House, the new Upstream European HQ for Chevron Upstream Europe at Hill of Rubislaw in Aberdeen is a significant commerial office development boasting an impressive variety of unique architectural features. The development houses around 450 staff in total. With state of the art facilities and keen attention to ergonomics and workspace design, the building offers an exciting work environment to support Chevron’s European business.
“The new HQ for Chevron is one of the largest commercial developments constructed in Aberdeen this decade.” Charles Smith, Managing Director, SMC Jenkins & Marr
Challenge
With natural daylight playing a critical role in building ergonomics, the design brief centred around creating a bright spacious interior which would promote productivity throughout the workspace.
Solution
LC SmartGlass was specified for this project to allow instant and precise privacy control for each meeting room situated along the corridor. Floor to ceiling LC SmartGlass panels are installed within a partition wall system as well as within the doors leading in to each meeting room. Switchable glass reduces the uncomfortable “gold fish bowl” feeling when working in high density office spaces. LC SmartGlass offered an ideal solution to fulfill what was required in the design brief by improving the workspace surroundings and creating a stimulating work environment.
LC SmartGlass has exceptional optical qualities that reduce eye strain and glare thus creating a more comfortable working environment. Visible light transmission is only reduced by 8% when the glass is in its opaque state meaning internal lighting is not affected when the glass is switched on/off throughout the day.
Result
Staff at Chevron can now create a private space within each meeting room on the corridor where LC SmartGlass is installed instantly on demand. Light is not compromised when the glass is switched to its “off” (private) state with 67% light transmission allowing for a bright and spacious interior to hold meetings.
Client: An PostLocation: Dublin, IrelandProject Type: Commercial Download PDF: click hereContact Us: click here
Client
An Post, Swords Central
Project
Swords Central Post Office opened in The Pavilions shopping centre in Swords Co. Dublin on November 1st 2010. This state of the art development is 2,500 square feet with a mezzanine of a further 1,100 square feet and offers a new and improved customer experience.
Challenge
The management and security office is located behind the screen and situated in the corner of the floor space beside a number of “service zones”. These service zones offer financial and insurance services where customers can sit down with a member of staff to discuss plans and packages.
The office was to be located on the shop floor so that footfall could be monitored at all times as specified in the design brief. This was to allow management view the shop floor regularily to monitor operating activity. However, from a privacy point of view this was not ideal as the office could did not offer a confidential space.
Solution
SmartGlass International provided the ultimate solution to these design requirements with LC SmartGlass. Two large LC SmartGlass panels were used to create a switchable security glass screen as can be seen in the imagery above. Management and security could then switch the glass to its clear “On” state to monitor floor activity and then switch it to private “Off” instantly if confidentiality was required.
Result
Constant monitoring of this area is essential to allow management observe customer footfall and ensure that the very best customer service is being delivered to each and every customer by ensuring over crowding does not occur within these zones.
LC SmartGlass above all provides a sleek and sophisticated look creating an attractive corporate interior while at the same time offering an exceptionally practical function within the space.
Client: BBC Top Gear LiveLocation: GlobalProject Type: Commercial Download PDF: click hereContact Us: click here
Client
BBC Top Gear Live Shows Prototype Tour
Project
For the 2010 show, Top Gear producers wanted to create the ultimate car to star in the finale of the live show. After much debate regarding model, materials, specifications etc. they decided on an almost impossible concept.
“A car will come out and become invisible” Richard Hammond
Top Gear Live is a live arena show of the award winning TV program Top Gear. The live show features breath-taking stunts, remarkable special effects and epic driving sequences. The live show is home to an array of pyrotechnics, a bombardment of noise and a spectacle of motoring.
A collection of the finest cars from all over the globe grace the arena floor. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May host the live show with their cheeky approach to motoring and humour whilst some of the world’s best precision drivers perform awe-inspiring stunts live in the arena.
“This show is like nothing we have done before. It will have some very very special, special effects,”
Jeremy Clarkson
Ever since it made its live debut on the World Stage in 2008 Top Gear Live has been seen by over 1,000,000 fans and is continuing to push the boundaries of car theatre.
Challenge
The producers were faced with a problem. How would they design a car which could change state instantly and give this magnificent illusion? What type of materials would allow them to create this?
A further design problem would be the convertible roof feature which would be manufactured entirely of SmartGlass.
Solution
It was decided that a switchable glass would be used to make up the bodywork of the car which could switch on and off simultaneously giving the effect of changing visible/invisible states. SmartGlass International was approached to work on this project at the early design stages and to investigate whether the concept would be viable. The design team at SmartGlass International worked on the concept and created a solution.
Polycarbonate was to be used instead of traditional glass to make up the individual panels. The panel sizes were much smaller for this application and required much more detailed wiring so that each individual panel would switch at the exact same time on the car.
Convertible Roof Feature
This was a challenge for the SmartGlass team, but through careful testing of the materials they found the ideal solution. The panels would be aligned and connected in such a way to allow the roof to lift up without the connection being lost so that the panels would switch simultaneously during this particular action scene of the show where the roof rises up to release a passenger from the car. A similar system is used when fitting SmartGlass panels into a folding door system.
Result
The interior of the car was visible when in its clear state showing the famous “Stig” and his female sidekick; when the glass switched to its “invisible” state the passengers could not be seen.
SmartGlass International is thrilled to work on such a remarkable and exciting project.
Testimonials
“Top Gear Live has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of car theatre and each new tour requires incredible technology, passion and dedication to deliver the spectacle our audiences have come to expect. For the 2010/11 Prototype Tour I needed a company who could help me make a car turn from solid to transparent at a touch of a button. SmartGlass International were a great partner working meticulously with me to develop the car panels required for this unique hyper car and proved to be the perfect solution to a problem no one thought they’d ever have; how do I turn my car see through?” Rowland French – Top Gear Live Shows
Daybreak is the weekday breakfast television programme broadcast from 6:00am to 8:30am for the British commercial ITV network anchored by Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.
Daybreak took to the air as the much-heralded replacement for breakfast TV show GMTV. More than one million people tuned in to see the launch of ITV’s new breakfast show – an improvement over its predecessor, GMTV. ITV said the show, which featured an interview with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, peaked at 1.5m viewers. ITV are one of the UK’s largest broadcasting stations and reach approximately 13 million viewers a week with Daybreak regularly accounting for a large proportion of this.
The Daybreak studio is located in the heart of London at South Bank studios. The London City skyline is the backdrop to the Daybreak studio offering an unrivalled view across the city from St. Paul’s Cathedral right across to the Gherkin.
“The spectacular backdrop of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline is a scene to wake up to” Christine Bleakley
Challenge
The huge range of ambient light that confronts the studio through the seasons during the early-morning shoots is a backdrop that varies from almost pitch black during winter, to summer when the sun will rise directly behind the presenters’ sofas – positioned neatly to frame St Paul’s, due east.
Solution
SPD SmartGlass is the ideal solution for a project of this type precisely meeting the design brief to control levels of lighitng within the studio. SPD SmartGlass was specified for this state of the art television studio project to create a solar control glazing system that would combat the negative effects of direct sunlight including glare and heat.
SPD SmartGlass offers the perfect solution and is installed in approximately 100 panels throughout the studio. The glass facade can be automatically dimmed from clear to dark controlling glare and solar heat gain while protecting the studio inhabitants from the damaging effects of UV
SPD SmartGlass can be manually or automatically “tuned” to precisely control the amount of light, glare and heat passing through a window. While glass is a favored product for use in building facades; glare, solar heat gain and UV exposure are problematic and can often make the use of glass impractical resulting in the need to invest in expensive solar shading devices. Glass facades using patented SPD light-control technology reduce the need for air conditioning during the summer months and heating during winter.
The ability to instantly switch the glass to maximize daylight when it’s really needed and to provide controllable solar shading during peak light conditions is valuable and unique. This feature is especially useful for application in a television studio as it allows for maximum daylight to enter without compromising recording quality and controls room temperature which is also critical in this particular environment.
Result
When the sun is just rising over London the backdrop is in darkness, at this stage the glass is at its clearest state where it will allow for maximum light penetration. As the morning gets brighter, the glass is “tuned” to control glare from the sun and heat passing through into the studio. SPD SmartGlass has lots of advantages supplementary to what is listed above including energy savings on cooling and light costs, reduction of buildings carbon emissions and elimination of the need for expensive window dressings.
When the power supply is switched on, the rod shaped suspended particle molecules align, light passes through and the SPD SmartGlass panel clears. SPD SmartGlass protects from damaging UV when on or off.
When the power supply is switched off, the rod shaped suspended particle molecules are randomly oriented blocking light and the SPD SmartGlass becomes dark blocking up to 99.4% of light.
SmartGlass International is delighted to work on such a state of the art project where innovation and design are at the forefront.
C2S Systems are part of the WTS Broadcast group specializing in the International broadcast TV and media sectors. C2S systems approached SmartGlass International following the success of the ITV Daybreak studio project which was carried out in August 2010.
This studio project was a joint venture between global news network, The Associated Press and WTS Broadcast. The Associated Press is the world’s largest global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. In fact, on any given day, more than half the world’s population sees news from the AP.
Glass facades and particularly television studio backdrops are significantly complex to design as lighting and temperature are often affected by solar glare and heat passing through windows.
Challenge
C2S Systems were faced with a design issue – how would they achieve flawless lighting and an ideal room temperature while still showcasing the London skyline as the backdrop to all five of the studios?
The design brief centres on the glass in the studios having the ability to instantly switch to maximize daylight when it’s really needed and to provide controllable solar shading during peak light conditions, a feature which is both valuable and unique. This feature is especially useful for application in a television studio as it allows for maximum daylight to enter without compromising recording quality and controls room temperature which is also critical in this particular environment.
News stations will broadcast news at various different times throughout the day meaning the levels of sunlight entering the studio will vary and the glass will need to be “tuned-in” to facilitate studio lighting conditions. Associated Press specified that the London skyline would feature as the backdrop to all five of the television studios.
Solution
SmartGlass International’s SPD SmartGlass was specified for this state of the art television studio project to create a solar control glazing system that would combat the negative effects of direct sunlight including glare and heat.
SPD-SmartGlass can be manually or automatically “tuned” to precisely control the amount of light, glare and heat passing through a window. While glass is a favored product for use in building facades; glare, solar heat gain and UV exposure are problematic and can often make the use of glass impractical resulting in the need to invest in expensive solar shading devices. Glass facades using patented SPD light-control technology reduce the need for air conditioning during the summer months and heating during winter.
SPD SmartGlass has lots of advantages which complement the abilities described above including energy savings on cooling and light costs, reduction of buildings carbon emissions and elimination of the need for expensive window dressings.
Result
The glass facade can be automatically dimmed from clear to dark controlling glare and solar heat gain while protecting the studio inhabitants from the damaging effects of UV. Filming conditions are also improved and allow for a clearer camera angle whilst still capturing the stunning studio backdrop over London.
The Windsor Knee Clinic is part of the BMI Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor, Berkshire. BMI Healthcare is Britain’s leading provider of independent healthcare with a nationwide network of hospitals & clinics performing more complex surgery than any other private healthcare provider in the country. LC SmartGlass is used in a door system for each consultancy and treatment room within the clinic.
Challenge
The Windsor Knee Clinic is dedicated to delivering the very best in quality and value to their patients. This was significantly reflected in the design brief with state of the art patient surroundings being the central focus throughout. When designing the consultancy rooms at the Windsor Knee Clinic infection control and patient dignity were key priorities.
BMI Healthcare strives to ensure that the risk of infection for their patients is kept as low as possible and a focus on hygiene and infection control is one of their top priorities. Infection Prevention and Control is taken very seriously within BMI Healthcare hospitals and every hospital has a dedicated infection control team. The Corporate Head of Infection Prevention and Control works with each hospital’s infection control team on a regular basis to ensure the implementation of evidence based principles and practice.
Solution
LC SmartGlass for Infection Control
Through continued studies it has been proven that sheer, easily cleaned surfaces are essential in hospitals in order to reduce the risks associated with the spread of “super bugs” such as CDIFF and MRSA. LC SmartGlass provides the ideal solution offering a sheer, easily cleaned surface to replace traditional blind systems which are often difficult to clean and high risk in terms of harbouring dirt and bugs. This greatly facilitates the deep cleaning process as a considerable amount of time is saved compared to traditional cleaning techniques.
LC SmartGlass for Patient Privacy & Dignity
The NHS are working to improve privacy and dignity for their patients as a key priority during the coming years; over the past year they have invested over £1.6 billion to improve the ‘patient experience’ on hospital wards throughout the UK. LC SmartGlass provides instant privacy when switched to its “off” state allowing patient privacy and dignity at all times. This eliminates the need for curtains or blinds thus creating a more aesthetically pleasing finish as well as a low maintenance, easy clean surface.
Result
Deep-cleaning and infection control preparation can be carried out efficiently and comprehensively within each consultancy and treatment room at the clinic. Patient privacy and dignity is protected at all times within the clinic as each room can be transformed into a confidential space instantly at the flick of a switch.
Testimonials
“Great product with excellent technology, we are all very pleased with how the smart glass turned out on our project”
Client: St. Marys Paddington HospitalLocation: LondonProject Type: Healthcare Download PDF: click hereContact Us: click here
Client
St. Marys Paddington Hospital
Project
St Mary’s Hospital, located in Paddington, London was founded in 1845 and is operated by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. St Mary’s is a general acute hospital that diagnoses and treats a range of adult and paediatric conditions. Renowned for being at the forefront of leading technology, the hospital has pioneered the use of robotic surgery, including the UK’s first da Vinci robot for keyhole surgery. The project involved using a series of glazed partition screens to section off clinical treatment rooms from public areas so that the spread of infection could be significantly reduced.
Challenge
St. Mary’s hospital prides itself on delivering the best patient experience by continuously improving patient standards and facilities infrastructure. Keith Murray, Facilities Director at St. Mary’s hospital, was keen to introduce innovative interior solutions which would help eliminate the threat of in-house infection and provide a comfortable environment where patient privacy and dignity would be protected at all times.
The healthcare industry is seeing a lot of refurbishment work calling for new innovative products as hospital designs improve. Modern hospital design is trying to combat the risks associated with the spread of HCAI’s as well as trying to improve the patient experience by offering privacy and dignity. It would be fair to say that widespread, negative publicity has generated a degree of lack of confidence from some people in terms of quality of care and patient wellbeing. Patients’ expectations are changing, along with attitudes by other stakeholders to hospital environments. This has been reflected in both the design and fit-out of many new hospitals, and in the refurbishment of others.
Solution
Through continued studies it has been proven that sheer, easily cleaned surfaces are essential in hospitals in order to reduce the risks associated with the spread of super bugs such as CDIFF and MRSA. LC SmartGlass is the ideal solution for high dependency hospital interiors as it creates a safe environment, protecting patients from HCAI’s whilst at the same time preserving a high degree of patient dignity by way of privacy control.
LC SmartGlass products offer a sheer, easily cleaned surface to replace traditional blind systems which are difficult to clean and high risk in terms of harboring dirt and bugs. Interior surroundings can be transformed into modern settings which perfectly meet the needs of these particular environments. Research has shown that patient comfort can help reduce recovery time and by offering an improved patient experience thorough privacy on demand this is further aided.
Result
When the electrical supply is switched on, the liquid crystal molecules align and incident light passes through and the LC SmartGlass panel instantly clears. LC SmartGlass is an easy clean surface which can be wiped down with an anti-bacterial agent regularly and efficiently. This greatly facilitates the deep-cleaning process as a considerable amount of time is saved compared to traditional cleaning techniques.
Testimonials
“This is one of the most carefully designed intensive care units in the country”. It gives patients and their families the reassurance that they are receiving the best possible treatment in the most modern of settings, with the latest equipment and the most highly trained staff”.
