How to Frame a Quality View

Curious C: Hey, how do you frame a quality view?

Designer: Let’s take a tiny quiz. Which window would you like to look out?

Curious C: mm

Designer: If you’ve answered “art”, “trees and flowers”, “Goose”, or “sky”, then you’ve scored all the sustainable credits.

Curious C: Really?!

Designer: According to LEEDv4.1 “Residential and Multifamily” reference guide, “for at least 50% of the regularly occupied space in each residential units, have one window that includes one of the following: 1. Flora, fauna or sky. 2. Objects at least 25 feet from the exterior of the window.” You can score an Environmental Quality credit.

Curious C: What is my building does not have enough windows?

Designer: If your building does not have enough exterior openings to look out, consider to create an interior atrium within your space. Like this one.

Designer: Also, according to the LEED v4.1 reference guide, “Qualifying windows must provide a clear image of the exterior, not obstructed by frit, fibers, patterned glazing or added tints that distort color balance.”

Curious C: What is “frit” window?

Designer: “Frit” itself is a ceramic component that can be laid out into an assortment of patterns, typically consisting of dots or lines.

Curious C: and Why does a building use “frit” window?

Designer: since ancient times, people have used fritted glass for aesthetic or styling purposes. But since we are about our environment more nowadays, those fritted glasses are also created to prevent bird collision.

Designer: Like this frit glass in Stephen Lawrence Center uses pattern to enhance it vernacular style. This design at New Headquarter for the Deutsche Bundesbank tries to blend with the surrounding environment. This frit glass at the McCormick Tribune Campus Center uses a person’s profile pattern to sent message.

Curious C: Thanks! I am curious no more.

By the way, if you haven’t got a chance to frame your own “quality view”, why not enjoy this one first? xoxo, your designer.