I am trying to understand the requirements of this credit as it relates to the vision glazing and direct line of sight requirement. The requirement states, "Achieve a direct line of sight to the outdoor environment via vision glazing between 30 inches and 90 inches above the finish floor.....". Does this mean the glazing must be continuous between 30 and 90 inches or can it occupy an area between 30 and 90 inches? And, if the glazing need not be continuous, in regards to the direct line of sight at 42", if the glazing started at 46" would this window meet the requirements of this credit?
Thanks so much for your thoughts on this matter.
Joshua Radoff
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Specialization Lead, MENVUniversity of Colorado Boulder
LEEDuser Expert
45 thumbs up
September 30, 2009 - 12:41 am
John,
The glazing doesn't have to be contiguous. And it can be anywhere in the hight range (2.5" to 7.5"). The idea is that an occupant, sitting down, can see outside in some fashion or another without obstruction. But they want you to be able to orient yourself to the outside, so looking up to the sky through a skylight or above 7.5" doesn't give the same visual cues (the way looking out the window at an airplane can be disorienting).
That said, I've worked on a LEED prison project, and we were advocating for views for the inmates, and it was never clear how much area would be required to see out of. Would a tiny slit (which is all they were providing) be sufficient? We thought not and didn't submit for the credit, but I wonder if anyone knows of a lower limit here.
Thanks,
Josh
Anya Fiechtl
ArchitectBuro Happold
74 thumbs up
December 13, 2010 - 7:28 pm
I'm currently working on a prison and finding some unique challenges with LEED credits because of the nature of a detention type project (esp. regularly occupied spaces...). When are they coming out with LEED-J (for Jails)? ;)
In terms of views. I think as long as they have a direct line of sight to/through vision glazing, it counts, no matter how small of a sliver... Our windows are 8" wide, but horizontal and above 7'6. If I could get the architect to turn them vertically and lower the window, we might get this one (and the inmates will be able to see outside, instead of just looking up at the sky). The question is: under the circumstances, does that meet the credit intent? I think so, but I'm not the reviewer...
Sonrisa Lucero
Owner / Energy Engineer / Sustainability ConsultantSustainnovations, LLC
138 thumbs up
July 7, 2011 - 7:42 pm
I am also working on a jail and we are not pursuing this credit because very few rooms are on the perimeter. However, I have a question related to what you were saying, Josh, "The glazing doesn't have to be contiguous. And it can be anywhere in the hight range (2.5" to 7.5"). "
Have you had success with acheiving views that were not a horizontal line of sight from the seated or standing working position, but within the 2'-6" to 7'-6" range? I have always thought it strange that you can include glazing from 2'-6" to 7'-6" in the plan review and even draw a line of sight to any window 2'-6" to 7'-6" in height, but only a view at 42" (or other working height) would count. Why include the range at all if only glazing at 42" or the working height counts in the end?