An emerging and unproven rule of thumb pits energy efficiency against glazing area: the larger the window, the lower the efficiency.
In practice, the energy efficiency of a building is dependent on an array of factors, including daylight harvesting, established and emerging technologies and their availabilities, local environment, building orientation, program, and mechanical systems.
Given the complexity and interdependence of these factors, the practice of energy-efficient enclosure design cannot be reduced to simple formulas, especially with glass.
It is an art and a craft as much as a science, best approached through an understanding of material itself.
Enclosure specialist Robert Heintges, FAIA, will discuss the array of factors that inform the design and construction of an energy-efficient building enclosure, and will consider the interdependence of these elements with an eye to providing appropriate context for architects to improve energy efficiency in the design of glass buildings.
more: cfa.aiany.org (67)