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Bird-friendly glazing on the agenda at Glass Connections

Glass Connections in Burnaby, B.C. will feature a talk by Mikhala Way of Vitrum on bird-friendly glazing and its applications in today’s architecture. Glass Connections takes place June 7 and 8 and is presented by the Canadian Glass Association.

Both humans and birds are unable to see glass. Humans have come to realize and recognize certain visual cues that warn us there is a barrier between us and the other side. However, these visual cues are not recognized by birds and results in over 1.25 billion bird deaths in North America each year. Several cities and states in North America have adopted mandatory and/or voluntary standards to reduce the risk of bird collision with glass windows and building facades. Currently Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto have mandatory building codes in place that architects, glaziers and builders must follow.
This presentation covers the many bird-friendly glazing solutions on the market today. Case studies illustrate the many available strategies to reduce bird mortality without the need to eliminate or reducing the glazing area. It will also discuss bird friendly design options that can add value strategies for design, solar heat control and glare reduction.
After the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Recognize potential glazing hazards to birds.
2. Identify and apply current best practices for reducing bird strikes with todays glazing
materials.
3. Integrate bird-friendly architecture with other aspects of green design.
4. Understand existing and potential legislation and codes mandating bird-friendly design
5. Use LEED Pilot #55: Reducing Bird Collisions.

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