Biophilic glare protection with effect: The VideowindoW in the focus of research

The impressive VideowindoW was one of the highlights of glass technology live at glasstec 2024 - not only because of its technical sophistication, but also because of its effect on human well-being. The smart glass solution transforms façades into dynamic, transparent media screens that not only act as a climate-regulating element, but also as biophilic (ancient Greek bios "life" and philia "love") glare protection.

In her dissertation "The Effect of Biophilic Glare Control on Occupant Perception", Dr Eleni Mousteri, speaker at glasstec 2024, scientifically investigated the potential effect of biophilic patterns in glare protection - using the VideowindoW as a test object, among other things.

In a controlled laboratory experiment in the Green Village in Delft, 44 participants were confronted with different façade patterns: a tree pattern inspired by nature, classic horizontal stripes and a neutral surface without a pattern - all with the same average light transmission.

The team recorded parameters such as glare perception, daylight satisfaction, visual aesthetics, perception of the outside view as well as emotional and psychological reactions.

The biophilic pattern performed significantly better in several categories:

• Participants rated the glare of the tree pattern significantly lower than that of the stripe.
• The acceptance of the obstruction of the view outside was significantly higher for the tree pattern than for the stripes.
• The aesthetic effect was rated higher - both the pattern itself and the light shadows caused by the pattern and the sunlight were perceived as more pleasant.
• In the "psychological state" category, there were stronger positive effects such as calmness, stress reduction and mental relaxation - classic patterns, on the other hand, more frequently led to descriptions of "distraction" or "visual discomfort".
• The feeling of connection with nature was significantly more pronounced in the biophilic pattern and was also the most favoured.

What fascinated you personally about the idea of incorporating biophilic patterns like the VideowindoW into your research on visual comfort and well-being?

Dr Eleni Mousteri: What fascinated me the most was the introduction of biophilic patterns into a cutting-edge façade technology like VideowindoW. Integrating elements inspired by nature into a smart shading system offers a novel way to control daylight - not by blocking it completely as in conventional systems, but by shaping it in a balanced and engaging way. This approach capitalises on people's innate connection to nature and uses design as a tool to enhance the perception and experience of indoor spaces.

What specific significance could the results of your study have for the design of future working and living spaces?

Dr Eleni Mousteri: The results of the study underline the potential of biophilic design to reduce glare, increase occupant satisfaction and increase the acceptance of automatic shading systems. The integration of such patterns into dynamic façades represents a promising approach for the design of human-centred, visually comfortable and energy-efficient interiors.

What advantages does glass offer as a material?

Dr Eleni Mousteri: Glass is a versatile and essential material in modern architecture due to its transparency, adaptability and ability to connect interior spaces with the outside world. It allows the penetration of daylight, which is important for occupant health, visual comfort and circadian regulation, while contributing to energy efficiency by reducing dependence on artificial lighting. When combined with advanced technologies such as dynamic shading systems or pattern projections like VideowindoW, glass transforms from a passive element into an active component of environmental control by balancing light, glare and thermal comfort and enhancing visual and aesthetic quality. Its potential to support both functional and experiential qualities makes it ideal for forward-thinking, human-centred design.

The study impressively shows that when architecture and technology are combined with findings from biophilia, it is not only energy efficiency and design aesthetics that benefit - human well-being in the workplace can also be measurably increased.