Measures to prevent and control harmful light reflection from glass curtain walls

With the progress of the times, glass curtain walls have been widely used in the exterior decoration of large high-rise buildings such as high-end office buildings, five-star hotels, shopping malls, and residences with their elegant appearance, light weight, and excellent lighting effects. For a time, many eye-catching boutique projects emerged in various cities, and glass curtain walls became a symbol of high-rise buildings.

However, with the rise of uniquely designed glass curtain wall buildings, the light pollution problem caused by glass curtain walls has become increasingly prominent, and the white light pollution problem caused by the mirror reflection of glass curtain walls has also caused many people to criticize and criticize.

Harm of light pollution of glass curtain walls

When the outdoor light is strong, the glass curtain wall is like a huge mirror. When a beam of parallel light hits a smooth plane, mirror reflection will occur. The reflected light propagates in one direction. The light in this direction is strong, which looks very dazzling and forms reflected glare.

Reflecting or even multiple reflections on ground vehicles and traffic lights, strong light reflected into high-speed cars can cause sudden temporary blindness and visual illusions, which is a serious threat to driving safety.

Moreover, according to research by optical experts, the reflected light of mirrored building glass is stronger than sunlight, and its reflectivity is as high as 82%-90%, which greatly exceeds the range that the human body can withstand. If people live in this environment for a long time, their eyes will be subjected to strong visual stimulation, which is difficult to relieve, and they will also have symptoms of neurasthenia such as dizziness, loss of appetite, palpitations and depression. In recent years, complaints about white light pollution have increased. How to reduce the impact of mirror reflection on the surroundings is a question worth pondering for every curtain wall person.

So, as curtain wall builders, how can we effectively avoid light pollution in terms of glass curtain wall light pollution?

Combined with national standards and requirements, we can comprehensively consider and take measures from the aspects of design, curtain wall reflectivity, curtain wall design scheme, curtain wall material selection, etc.

Effective measures to avoid light pollution from glass curtain walls

01 Reasonable design

During the design and construction process, light pollution impact assessment is carried out, and the reasonable design of the curtain wall angle and orientation is the key. When planning the curtain wall, the architect should scientifically select the angle and orientation of the curtain wall according to the function of the building and the environment in which it is located. Through reasonable layout and design, the reflection and refraction of sunlight by the curtain wall can be reduced, and the generation of light pollution can be reduced. At the same time, appropriate sunshade facilities and green vegetation should be set up to reduce the impact of light pollution.

02 Reduce or avoid special design

Designers should try to reduce or avoid special designs when designing curtain walls, such as curved glass, angle design, etc. Because under the strong irradiation of sunlight, it has strong reflected light, which will cause safety hazards to pedestrians and vehicles on the street. The reflected light will also form a focus. At this time, the curved glass panel is a huge focusing mirror, which makes the temperature of the reflected object continue to rise, and there is a greater fire hazard.

03 Use materials with low reflectivity

It is also crucial to select high-quality materials and processes. The impact of the materials and processes of building curtain walls on light pollution cannot be ignored. Selecting materials with anti-reflection and anti-glare functions, such as low-reflection glass, anti-glare film, etc., can effectively reduce the reflection and scattering of light by the curtain wall and reduce the degree of light pollution.

04 Use external shading system

Install external shading systems such as shading strips, visors or grilles on the outside of the curtain wall to control the light entering the building and reduce the reflection of light to the outside.

05 Internal shading facilities

Provide reasonable internal shading systems, such as curtains, blinds or dimming films, so that users can adjust the indoor light intensity as needed.

06 Intelligent dimming curtain wall

The intelligent dimming curtain wall adopts advanced dimming technology, which can automatically adjust the light transmittance and reflectivity of the curtain wall according to the intensity of external light and indoor needs. When the light is strong, the intelligent dimming curtain wall can reduce the reflectivity and reduce the generation of light pollution; it can not only effectively avoid light pollution, but also improve the energy efficiency and comfort of the building.

In summary, the light pollution problem of glass curtain walls is an issue that cannot be ignored. As practitioners in the curtain wall industry, we should be fully aware of the severity and urgency of the light pollution problem and take active measures to avoid light pollution from aspects such as design, materials, and technology. At the same time, we should also actively practice innovation and creation to inject new vitality and impetus into future urban development. Through our joint efforts, we believe that we will be able to promote the healthy development of the curtain wall industry and contribute to the sustainable development of cities.