Design Criteria for Windows + Doors
Whether it’s offering a pleasant view, providing a fresh breath of air, or contributing to overall comfort and mood, windows and doors go a long way toward ensuring the wellbeing of building occupants. At the same time, incorporating windows and doors into the building envelope presents one of the toughest tasks for the Building Team. In the construction phase, fenestration demands high levels of coordination and skill. Moreover, the design and specification of these important building components requires careful attention to such factors as material selection, fenestration performance, energy efficiency, sustainability, acoustical performance, security, and code compliance.
Earn 1 AIA/CEU Learning Unit by reading this feature and passing the test!
After reading this article, you should be able to:
List and describe the key factors driving the choice and application of window and door products.Understand how heat gain, thermal bridging, light transmittance, and other variables are affected by window and door product selection.Compare fenestration strategies based on such factors as energy efficiency, LEED ratings and sustainability, and occupant comfort and safety.