SageGlass Installation to Enhance Bowie State University’s New Science Center

Bowie, MD – Building state-of-the-art learning and research facilities for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and nursing programs requires the incorporation of the most innovative building materials available today.

That’s why Bowie State University in Maryland chose to install SageGlass, the world’s smartest electrochromic glass, at its new Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing. The sustainable academic center will feature 25,000sf of SageGlass, a product of Saint-Gobain, on portions of the curtain wall façade and throughout the “The Icon,” a three-story multipurpose space.

With the help of SageGlass and other sustainable products, systems and initiatives, the project is aiming to achieve LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The 150,000sq center will feature flexible classrooms, innovative research and instructional laboratories as well as multi-purpose space. SageGlass will be installed in numerous exterior classrooms and The Icon to control sunlight and optimize daylight, outdoors views and comfort while preventing glare, fading and overheating. The dynamic glass will tint on-demand, allowing faculty to customize solar control in each classroom, and it also tints automatically via light sensors. By blocking sunlight on hot days, the glass keeps buildings cool and reduces energy requirements.

SageGlass will provide our students with a superior learning environment, and at the same time it will help reduce energy costs for the University,” said Dr. Karl Brockenbrough, vice president for administration and Finance at Bowie State University. “Upon completion, the iconic new Center will be a focal point on our campus. It will elevate our STEM and nursing programs and help attract new studentsto Bowie State University for years to come.”

Once installed, SageGlass will dynamically control sunlight to provide students and faculty with a comfortable learning environment and unobstructed views of the outdoors. Unlike shades, blinds and films, dynamic glass allows building occupants to experience the biophilic effects of the outdoors, including stress reduction, enhanced creativity and clarity of thought and an improved sense of well-being. By providing constant access to natural light, dynamic glass enhances students’ productivity.

According to a study by the California Energy Commission, students progressed through curricula 20 to 26% faster when learning in a day lit environment.

Paul Harney, Senior Project Architect and Associate Principal at Perkins + Will, ssaid,  “Our goal was to create a facility for teaching and learning that maintained a strong connection to the outdoors and also served as an innovative showpiece for the University. SageGlass enabled us to achieve our goal without compromising classroom views or the aesthetics of The Icon.”

Bowie State University is completing the project in partnership with the University of Maryland Service Center, Perkins + Will and Clark Construction. The Center is expected to be completed in spring 2017.