Question Regarding Requirements

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

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...

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?