A clearer vision of the many benefits of glass

At the same time as providing visual appeal to the structure as a whole, glass and glazing solutions in hospitals can have a positive impact on patient care and speed of recovery, while simultaneously addressing safety, light, privacy, and infection control issues. This may all seem a tough order, but recent developments and advances in glass manufacture mean all these objectives can be achieved via the characteristics of a single pane of glass. Firstly, however, let us take a look at how the glazing industry is responding to the specific design challenges posed by the health sector. After all, there is not a health estates manager in the world that does not have to contend with security, privacy, and hygiene.

The security challenge

Hospital managers base their security decisions not just on aesthetics, but also on legal considerations, cost, fear of litigation, and, most importantly, on the need to protect patients and staff. Quite rightly so, but with hospitals’ propensity to use more glass as a means of maximising space and enhancing the wellbeing of occupants through natural light, it pays to be aware of the latest developments in security glass. Manufacturing security glass has become a very complex and sophisticated business, with varying requirements, and an endless number of options. In fact, RIBA guidelines state that ‘undertaking detailed design of such features should involve specialist advice from security advisers and engineers who can provide analysis to ensure a design or product is effective against the identified risk’. Learning to navigate the myriad of standards may seem daunting, but for those who overcome the challenges, the benefits are plentiful. There is every indication that the NHS is taking positive steps to review the security of its staff, patient base, and hospital equipment – not just in terms of CCTV and secure entrance points, but equally through the design process at the architectural stage. In fact, last year marked the emergence of a much closer working relationship between the NHS and the Design Council in a self-described ‘design rethink’ (HEJ – March 2012). This was in response to looking at how a building’s design can limit the impact of violence and aggression in accident and emergency departments throughout the country.