Associated Press Television Studios

Client: Associated Press/WTS Broadcast Location: UK Project Type: Commercial/Offices

Client

Associated Press Television Studios

Project

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.

Testimonials

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