Modern architecture has a tremendous impact on most cities’ skylines worldwide, challenging the sightseer’s eye and imagination. Tall, glittering, and curiously shaped towers are now clearly pointing to the center of any metropolitan area’s economic hive activity.
The glass seems to be the favorite building material for these constructions, and the majority of them belong to large companies housing their headquarter offices and here is why:
Esthetics
Using glass in construction gives the perception of modernity to office spaces. The building will look contemporary, giving a sense of power and affluence.
Shaping glass is much easier than working with the usual building materials, allowing architects to design unusual workspaces.
The interiors will follow the trend, from the office walls, communal areas to the staircases and the parking area, and one can found here even more glass creations that enhance the building as a whole.
More natural light
Enabling the natural light to flow through the whole building is one of the primary reasons why office buildings are mostly made of glass in our time. The ample natural daylight creates a brighter and more spacious-looking workspace.
Research shows that access to natural light is the number one attribute workers want in their office environment. Additional analysis has found that natural light is essential for our wellbeing and can make people feel happier and more content.
Happier employees are more energetic, better problem-solvers, more creative, cooperate with others more effectively, and better access to direct, natural light can help promote these outcomes.
Energy-saving
By diminishing the demand for artificial lighting, a glass facade saves energy, reducing electricity and gas costs considerably. This will positively impact the company’s budget, leaving enough to improve the employees’ work quality while reducing the impact on the natural resources that a building of considerable size could project.
Some buildings are equipped with modern blind systems; in the morning, they open automatically and capture the sun, so the morning’s light and heat enter the office.
Around noon, depending on the room temperature and the sun outside, the blinds will slowly close and shade the interior. In contrast, they will close completely to provide the necessary privacy if needed.
The new smart technology allows the blinds to be adjusted manually with a switch or an iPhone.
Constant ambiental temperature
Glass can retain heat and will maintain an ideal ambient temperature throughout the year. The developer can install darkening glass for sun-oriented windows to reflect ultraviolet radiation and protect the furniture, floor, and plants inside the building.
Quality work environment
Daylight is known for a positive effect on people, whilst artificial light used during the day can create an energy-draining environment. According to numerous HR studies on the quality of work-life for employees operating in such spaces, natural light positively influences the employees’ effectiveness.
The glass transparency creates a high-quality work environment for employees and visitors, encouraging openness and communication. It is also a chance to interact with the external world, allowing outside greenery and natural beauty to be appreciated inside the building and reducing the feeling of being disconnected from the outside world.