This Credit Interpretation Request is in reference to a 90,000 square foot office building, research laboratory and data center, which utilizes extensive internal vision glazing and open office design to visually connect most occupants to landscaped exteriors. Offices with internal vision glazing are typically occupied by individuals that occasionally require the privacy of a closed-door office, i.e. those with direct reports and those having access to confidential information. In order to maximize their views when not in need of privacy, reverse wound spring hinges will hold the office doors in the open position as a default. The doors can, of course, be shut manually when the occupant desires privacy. This is a similar situation to the CIR of 10/23/2006 where sliding wall panels were used in residential sleeping rooms. USGBC ruled that the Views calculations could be performed with the panels in the open position. We would like to calculate the views for each of these offices equipped with reverse wound hinges in the open position. For each office using doors equipped with reverse wound spring hinges, which default the doors to the open position, is it acceptable to calculate EQ c8.2 Views with doors in the open position?
Can open doors qualify as vision glazing for the purposes of this credit? Open doors do not meet the requirements of this credit to provide views to the outdoors. The intent of this credit is to provide a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views into the regularly occupied areas of the building. While the described design periodically provides limited views through office doors that default to open, this strategy does not guarantee views for the occupants. From the provided description it is unclear at to why vision glazing cannot be incorporated into these spaces to ensure quality views at all times (allowing for privacy needs with some form of shades or blinds). Applicable Internationally.