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O P I N I O N
Continuing ed
Of all the things I can think of to recommend to fellow professionals, the top one is this: Never stop learning.
W e’ve had some sensational AIA lunch and learn sessions in the office recently, demonstrating to me how quickly advances in technology are changing the way we build things. A recent session presented by a large global glass manufacturer opened my eyes to the advancement of glass manufacturing and the extent of options we have as we specify glazing systems, both for energy conservation, quality, and quantity of light and heat coming through the glass.
Edward Friedrichs
making 12-volt DC fixtures (same power supply coming from photo-voltaic panels), allowing the wiring to be the same as computer cables, eliminating the need for conduit or electrical innovative systems that are coming available on an almost daily basis.” “Construction technologies are evolving rapidly. It is our duty as practicing professionals to keep abreast of new products and
I’m currently exploring some additional new glazing systems that, in a double-glazed wall, allow the inside surface of the first glass panel to incorporate thin-film photo-voltaic, making the skin of a building a generator of electricity. At the same time, the inside surface of the second panel incorporates either a photo-chromic coating like that on eye glasses that turn dark when exposed to direct sunlight, or an electro-chromic coating, allowing the glass to turn dark with an electric charge, dramatically changing the type of window covering – drapes, blinds, roller-shades – required for sun control or privacy. On another front, the advancements in low- voltage lighting are dramatic, with manufacturers
See EDWARD FRIEDRICHS, page 4
THE ZWEIG LETTER October 8, 2018, ISSUE 1267
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