ARTICLES

Around 54% of school districts across the U.S. require some sort of replacement or update to the major systems in their buildings. This brings a decision of retrofitting the current system, or destroying the building to make a new one. In this decision, the environmental impact must be noted. This article will explain the environmental…

In 2009, The University of Michigan Law School Academic Building and Hutchins Hall Student Commons underwent renovations that the building had not seen since the opening of Hutchins Hall in 1933. The architects were tasked with preserving the original appearance of the building that includes historic stained glass murals and aged limestone, while following the…

For over 100 years, traditional wired glass was the only fire rated glass product available. Previously, the wires in the glass were perceived to strengthen the glass, yet this would not be true. This article explains the history and code developments that changed the mind of the industry, and innovations that lead to improved impact…

Traditional wired glass installed in school doors and other locations poses a serious risk of injury to students. After multiple cases of students being seriously injured, and in some instances dying, educational departments and government entities researched the hazardous effects of wired glass. Learn about the affordable and attractive ways to eliminate unsafe wired glass,…

Schools built in the last century had no choice but to rely on wired glass as a means of fire protection. Over the years, we have learned the imperfections and liability that comes with wired glass. This article discusses how school districts can replace unsafe wired glass and reduce liability by choosing clear, fire and…

After years of wired glass being used for fire protection, many schools, organizations, and states realized the safety hazardous that come with it. In this article, learn how the state of Oregon pushed to bring wired glass to comply with CPSC Standards, to eliminate the risk of wired glazing.

Read how Oregon becomes the first state in the nation to ban the use of wired glass in hazardous locations subject to human impact. This includes educational facilities, gyms, athletic facilities, and commercial structures.

Is wired glass actually safe. Learn about the truths of wired glass, and how various institutions, government entities, and states are moving towards safer fire-rated glazing.

Fire Rated glass not only comes with fire protection, but also environmental benefits. Learn how fire rated glass is applied in sustainable building designs, and how it can help you earn 3 of the 7 major LEED credits.

Retrofitting schools is a better option than building a new one. Retrofitting brings a cheaper and greener pathway. Learn how studies can quantify the environmental value of renovations, and the affordability of reusing existing schools. Also read the important role that fire rated glazing plays in school renovations.

In this article, we discuss ASTM F3561: Standard Test Method for Forced-Entry Resistance of Fenestration Systems After Simulated Active Shooter Attack and how architects can use this new safety standard to keep school children and personnel safe.