In Miami, Florida International University’s(FIU)Innovation Structure sits perched on a berm. Frits on the external layer of the transparent glazing serve a double function: to effectively shade the interior while referencing the result of sunshine streaming through the trees of the Everglades. During the night, the result is turned outward; the building illuminates its surroundings like the moon glowing over the landscape.
The 120,000-square-foot, $60 million building, developed by Perkins & Will, represents the conclusion of the first of 3 phases for Florida International University’s brand-new Innovation Complex. It provides classrooms, computer and research laboratories, workplaces, and study areas for graduate students.
The seven panel types refer the transparency and translucency required by solar needs. (Courtesy Perkins & Will)
“We wanted to challenge the mindset that all glass buildings are not high performing,” Pat Bosch, principal and style director at Perkins & Will’s Miami studio, told AN. “The lines [of the frit] have 2 aspects to them, which is not just the metaphor of the pine trees and the mangroves, but the parametrics of how we were solving the issues of heat gain, reflectiveness, and penetration of light.”
Panel mockups determined how nontransparent the glass frit needed to be to satisfy solar requirements and permit the correct quantity of light into the interior. The frit also modulates the reflectivity of the structure, making sure that it shows up to birds.
The amount of light filtered inside depends upon how densely the frit is concentrated on the exterior.(Courtesy Perkins & Will
)In locations where optimal visibility is desirable, like the atrium staircase, the frit is less noticeable, and the exterior ends up being more window than drape. Early solar radiation studies assisted identify clarity throughout all facade exposures. Perkins & Will worked closely with exterior specialist Physical Security to verify optimum opacity.