LC SmartGlass for Segregation

The most challenging cultural factor to incorporate into Saudi architecture is segregation. “The architectural planning of developments in Saudi Arabia must address segregation for public areas such as restaurants and health facilities” according to SA Developer Frantzen.

Logistically, this can be space consuming and as a rule requires public amenities like gymnasiums, spas and swimming pool areas to be duplicated – all issues that impact heavily on the bottom line. “Swing rooms” are often employed to overcome the segregation issue in certain parts of hotel developments. A swing room works by opening and closing an area to different sexes at set times.

SmartGlass International is the leading worldwide manufacturer of electronic switchable glass supplying to the healthcare, hospitality and commercial sectors. LC SmartGlass offers instant privacy on demand at the flick of a switch. Using a minute electrical current, users can immediately switch the LC SmartGlass from clear to private (opaque) and vice versa.

LC SmartGlass panels are bespoke manufactured using a lamination process which encapsulates a PDLC film between 2 or more glass sheets. When the electrical supply is switched on, the liquid crystal molecules align and incident light passes through and the LC SmartGlass panel instantly clears. When the power is switched off the liquid crystal molecules are randomly oriented scattering light and the LC SmartGlass becomes opaque (private).

Advantages of using LC SmartGlass include instant and precise privacy control, efficient use of space in the built environment and exceptional optical qualities that reduce glare and eye strain.

LC SmartGlass offers the ideal solution to the design challenges architects face surrounding segregation. LC SmartGlass can be used as a partition screen to separate recreational areas such as restaurants and leisure facilities. LC SmartGlass combines the functionality of an opaque wall with the style and lighting of clear glass. With glass being inherently thin, designers are turning ever more toward it to save space and inject style.