Glass facades aren't merely a matter of aesthetics in modern construction; they bring a wealth of advantages to both companies and employees.

Glass-clad skyscrapers stand as iconic symbols of the modern era. The glazing technology behind these architectural marvels continues to evolve in response to climate concerns and evolving tastes.

A substantial number of the world's top ten tallest skyscrapers feature predominantly glass facades. This particular architectural choice is favored by major corporations. According to Katie Krelle, Associate Director of Project Management at JLL, "Glass is the material of choice for many. Iconic London structures such as the Shard and the Gherkin exemplify this trend. Aesthetic appeal is crucial because it ties in with branding. Corporations seek buildings that reflect their reputation."

Moreover, corporations value structures that maximize natural light to attain high BREEAM ratings, which evaluate and certify a building's sustainability, and improve the overall working environment for their employees. Krelle emphasizes, "Daylight plays a vital role in enhancing occupants' well-being and directly impacts productivity."

Research has illustrated that increased natural light within workspaces offers numerous benefits, including reduced eye strain, fewer headaches, and increased productivity.

Nonetheless, glass-fronted buildings present their own set of challenges. As Krelle explains, "Glass facades must be in harmony with energy-efficient mechanical ventilation. Stringent energy reduction targets set forth by the UK Building Regulations and the ambitious BREEAM criteria mean that buildings cannot have highly glazed facades if they require continuous mechanical ventilation to prevent overheating. The facade's performance is paramount to protecting building occupants from excessive heat and cold, while also curbing energy consumption."

Clearer and More Resilient Glazing

Advancements in technology have led to increasingly complex designs for the facades of today's skyscrapers. These designs not only serve as protective barriers between controlled interior environments and external climate changes but also consider sustainability.

In its basic form, glass can elevate internal temperatures as it permits solar radiation to pass through. In the past, tinted glass was employed to mitigate this effect. However, developers striving to maximize daylight within office spaces, alongside more stringent energy efficiency requirements imposed by Building Regulations, have driven glass technology to evolve further. The development of "solar control glass" involves advanced coatings that allow daylight penetration while rejecting over 70 percent of solar radiation.

New techniques and technologies are being implemented in the construction of modern skyscrapers. London's tallest building, the Shard, exemplifies this trend in a city filled with glass-clad structures. Steve Mudie, Facade Specialist at alinea consulting, explains, "The Shard features a dynamic double-skin facade. The outer glass is single-glazed, creating a ventilated gap with the inner double-glazing, all within a facade depth no greater than a traditional double-glazed curtain wall. Automated blinds respond to the sun's trajectory to maximize daylight and views while minimizing solar radiation for building occupants."

The Shard is not the only example; several of the City's iconic glass towers employ double skin facade technology. Such structures can be found throughout the City, including the Heron Tower (now Salesforce Tower) and the Willis Building on Lime Street. Other famous examples include the Gherkin and the Leadenhall Building, commonly known as the Cheesegrater.

Innovative glass designs are also addressing emissions management, an issue of paramount importance, as real estate is responsible for 40 percent of global carbon emissions. The Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building, boasts a dynamic double-skin facade. Its triangular, curved design requires less glass than a square building, with the space between the two skins serving as a thermal buffer zone. When necessary, warm indoor air can be released into this zone to be cooled before being expelled outside.

Furthermore, modern designs aim to make buildings more resilient. Acoustic laminated glass provides improved noise insulation, protecting occupants from external noise. This glass type also contributes to enhanced building durability. For instance, the new US Embassy in London features bomb-resistant glazing.

The Quest for Comfortable Workspaces

Despite its many merits, inadequate consideration of glass and related technologies can lead to issues, as was the case with London's Walkie Talkie building. Reflective sunlight caused property damage, including the famous case of a Jaguar car's side panel melting beneath the 37-story structure, prompting local authorities to close some parking bays on Fenchurch Street. This issue was resolved by adding a black finish solar shading veil to the entire south-facing elevation to mitigate the problem.

Krelle notes, "The most common issues involve performance-related failures, such as water leaks, air-tightness breaches, and, in some cases, glass breakage, especially in structures with complex facades. Post-incident remedial work is prohibitively costly, as the Walkie Talkie example illustrates. It underscores the importance of fully integrated design coordination from the outset and ongoing quality control."

Furthermore, wear and tear over time must be factored in. Mudie emphasizes, "Facade systems can endure as long as the building itself, usually about 60 years. However, the service life of glass units ranges from 25 to 30 years. After this period, the edge seals may deteriorate, necessitating the replacement of glass units, as well as gaskets and other seals, which may require replacement sooner."

Despite the emergence of alternative materials and the higher construction costs associated with glass facades, Krelle believes that corporate demand for such structures will ensure that developers and landlords are willing to pay the price.

However, the growing emphasis on sustainability will also influence the choices available to building owners and occupants. Krelle concludes, "The future will be shaped by regulations and climate change. In the UK, regulations have become more stringent in terms of emissions. Thus, the use of glass must always align with sustainability requirements. Businesses are increasingly willing to invest in structures that protect their employees and the environment.