Conclusion
Reducing bird mortality from glass collisions is a monumental challenge. As new buildings are built every year, the threat to birds increases. Architects and specifiers can play a major role in curbing the problem by exploring glazing solutions specifically engineered to be bird-friendly.
Biologists are continuously refining testing systems to help the architectural industry make informed decisions when choosing a glass solution, as new bird behavioural research continues to help expand the knowledge base.
The architecture and building design industry is perhaps best positioned to press for long-term technological solutions for bird safety. The glazing industry has responded with innovative new products to help solve the problem. Esthetics and cost are two challenges, but they are continually met with new ideas from the glass industry. As technologies work to make glass noticeable to birds without obscuring or distorting views through glass, and as humans visualize and use the material, bird-friendly cities are likely to be on the horizon.
Notes
1 See Sheppard, Christine D. “Glass Collisions: Why Birds Hit Glass,” https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/why-birds-hit-glass/.
2 Read Sheppard, Christine D. “Evaluating the relative effectiveness of patterns on glass as deterrents of bird collisions with glass.” Global Ecology and Conservation, vol. 20, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00795.
3 Visit “American Bird Conservancy Doubles Its Capacity to Test Bird-Friendly Glass.” ABC Press Release, March 24, 2022, https://abcbirds.org/article/bird-collision-testing-tunnel-md-launch/.
4 Refer to the American Bird Conservancy. “Bird Collision Deterrence Material Threat Factor Reference Standard.” https://abcbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ABC-Material-Threat-Factor-Reference-Standard-draft-9-29-2020.pdf.
Author
Julia Schimmelpennigh is the architectural industry technical manager for the advanced material interlayers business at Eastman Chemical Company. She has more than 30 years’ experience in lamination and laminated glass applications support. Schimmelpennigh provides technical product support to glass fabricators, architects, designers, engineers, and specifiers. Her work includes new product development, qualification, and commercialization of laminated glazing solutions, regulatory development, industry education, and association support. Schimmelpennigh is an active contributor in the glazing industry as a member of ANSI, ASTM, CGSB, ISO, GICC, NGA, and other organizations. She received the highest award given by ASTM International for her contributions to the industry and was designated as an honourary fellow and the prestigious C.G. Carney Award from the National Glass Association (NGA).
