Contemporary architects are designing buildings in ways some would have never imagined, as designs, and layouts resemble artistic masterpieces. As building styles change and architects incorporate the latest in techniques and technology, they’re also using materials that are more environmental friendly and sustainable.
One material at the forefront of all these changes is glass. This standard material has become an integral part of new buildings, whether it is and abundance of glass windows or the use of expansive glass panels as wall replacements, it is difficult to find a new structure without an abundance of glass materials. Glass provides occupants with unparalleled views, while also allowing a wealth of natural light, and wall replacements allows for diffused natural light to flow throughout the building, creating a more positive atmosphere for its occupants.
The challenge with the addition of more glass is how to create privacy and reduce the fishbowl effect. Window films can help create a workspace in a whole new way, adding privacy, branding, and color without blocking out light, as well as creating an isolated spaces where needed.
Window films provide tremendous room for creativity and customization. Film can provide options as simple as a frosted or shaded effect, a solid color with varied transparency, or a colorful decorative mural that can incorporate your corporate branding. The only limitation is your imagination.
Here are some different and unique ways to create privacy in a business setting:
Shades & Fades
One of the most popular effects used to create privacy are the use of shades and fades. The classic milky or frosted effects are usually created using various opacities of either black or white to create the desired effect. Placed strategically, shades and fades can block the view from specific angles, which can prevent outside viewers from seeing in at eye level, or from above or below the placement of the film. Utilizing partially frosted glass film offers the suggestion of privacy without sacrificing transparency, and openness in an office space.
Branding Opportunities
Branding is an important part of any office décor. Incorporating your branding into privacy window film is something that can only be done with a custom printed film. Many companies miss this opportunity if they only consider the array of stock films available. Custom printed film allows you to customize your design to include your logo or other branding elements into distraction bands or other privacy effects.
Color & Style
Color, patterns, images and other visual effects can be printed directly onto window films to enhance the aesthetics of any building. You can create affects that are anything from transparent to fully solid opaque colors. These creative effects can transform glass into enticing displays that provide images that elicit attention, or create a unique ambiance within your facility. The advantage of creating these effects with window film verses custom glass is that when the trends in décor change, the film can be removed and replaced at minimal expense, rather than replacing the glass itself.
Opaque Images
Opaque images on glass walls are an ideal solution for conference rooms and office spaces if you wish to not eliminate light transmission completely, but want to visually blur and distort objects, allowing for private meetings and limited distractions from the outside. Although it’s difficult to see through them, they still allow a percentage of natural and artificial light through. Opaque films can also be created with full color images on both sides, which can provide equal aesthetic value inside and outside of the space.
There many option and opportunities to create privacy in architectural designs using window films to enhance not only the appearance of a space, but to its functionality as well. There are several options for you to consider, but the sky is the limit. Working with a glass film professional can help determine the best selection of both film and design options to accomplish the privacy and aesthetics goals of any project.