Glass Block Blogger

The Millennial generation is growing as a percentage of our nation’s population The social desires and principles of the Millennial should be taken into consideration in the design of everything from buildings to cars to technology.

The Pew Research center states that “This year, the “Millennial” generation is projected to surpass the outsized Baby Boom generation as the nation’s largest living generation, according to the population projections released by the U.S. Census Bureau last month. Millennials (whom we define as between ages 18 to 34 in 2015) are projected to number 75.3 million, surpassing the projected 74.9 million Boomers (ages 51 to 69).”

Millennials seem to demonstrate a serious interest social issues and sustainability. As a commercial architect undertakes a new project, the fastest growing age group must be taken into consideration. Stanley Tigerman is an example of an architect that recognizes the importance of social and sustainability issues early in the design phase of a project. He answered a question “How do you approach your projects?” with “Two major thrusts of the new millennia worldwide are sustainability and social cause. They both fall under the rubric of ethics; and that’s really what I think architecture is all about, ethics. You could say I approach projects in a way that will address the ethics of the particular location or situation.”

Glass block in commercial space supports sustainable design and LEED® certification.

Glass block, made largely from sand and limestone, is 100 percent recyclable, inert, low maintenance, and highly durable. Yet its dynamic relationship with light gives architects the opportunity to create both aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient spaces. As a proven, natural material, glass block can add beauty and inspiration to a project while playing a significant role in sustainable design. The LEED® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design and construction of high performance green buildings. While the use of no single construction material can earn LEED® points, glass block can be part of an overall strategy to earn points in several categories:

Daylighting improves worker and student performance, reduces energy consumption and supports sustainable design

Daylight causes flowers to bloom, animals to emerge from hibernation and supports all of life on this planet, yet Americans on average spend 80 to 90 percent of their time out of the sun. We have a natural need for daylight, yet we spend an unnatural amount indoors. I

Indeed, the relationship between daylight and mood, attitude and performance is well documented. According to Electrical Construction & Maintenance Magazine, “The natural light, better air quality and other benefits associated with green building have been credited with improved employee and student health, comfort and productivity. But this is just one of the many reasons more architects and designers are looking at ways to improve daylighting in commercial and public space.

To learn more about the way Glass Block can assist in sustainable commercial design, contact Eastern Glass Block. We have over twenty years experience in glass block design and installation in commercial projects.