INTERIOR GLAZING
The growing popularity of interior glass and the tax implications of demountable partitions have dramatically increased the amount of glazing in commercial interiors. Architects, interior designers, owners, and tenants all see the value of interior glass to maximize light and views while offering a contemporary appearance.
Commercial office furniture manufacturers have also embraced the look of glazing, with many companies now offering demountable glass partitions as part of systems interiors and furniture collections.
Whether incorporated into modular components or provided as individual partition elements, glass provided by a furniture dealer is generally NOT INSTALLED BY A PROFESSIONAL GLAZIER. Instead, the glass falls into the overall furniture package and is installed by a furniture installer.
PRIORITY EDUCATION
AGI has prioritized education about the topic of interior glass partitions. Cautions and concerns ranging from installer training to cost considerations are addressed in multiple AGI documents including the INTERIOR DEMOUNTABLE WALLS: FACTS TO KNOW sheet and the detailed INTERIOR DEMOUNTABLE WALLS EXPERTISE brochure.
Pre-manufactured interior glass partitions – such as those provided in systems furniture packages – often do not provide the same level of design flexibility as fully customized, glazier-provided systems.
An AGI member glazing contractor has the ability to select parts and pieces from different manufacturers and design solutions that meet functional and aesthetic goals.
AGI aims to assist both the architect who is writing specifications without a contractor and the contractor who is supporting specifications development.
GUIDE SPECIFICATION
To simplify the specification-writing process and further educate the design community, AGI recently produced the ARCHITECTURAL GLASS INSTITUTE GUIDE SPECIFICATION for interior glazing.
Produced in conjunction with specifications consulting firm, Conspectus, Inc., the guide specification is intended to be edited for specific project requirements. Compatible with styles used in ARCOM MasterSpec® the guide can be easily reformatted to the user’s preferences.
CONCISE & CUSTOMIZABLE
Conceptually, the document functions as a fully customizable kit of parts for specification writing related to interior glazing. Contractors and design professionals alike can use the document as a baseline for writing specifications tailored to their particular project needs. Notations within the document clearly indicate editing options and where user-specific text should be inserted.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The AGI Guide Specification includes sample specification language and instructions for:
- Permanent glazed interior partitions
- Demountable glazed interior partitions
- Glazed aluminum doors installed in glazed partitions
- All-glass doors installed in glazed partitions.
From discussion topics for pre-installation meetings to final protection and cleaning of interior glazing, the AGI Guide Specification includes the required information to make specification writing easy and efficient.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
As with any specification writing, the focus and purpose should be on ensuring owner requirements and design intent are met. The AGI Guide Specification offers a starting point to share information among design and construction professionals, reduce inconsistencies, and build a path to successful projects.
If you would like a copy, please email AGI Executive Director Stephanie Staub at stephanie@theagi.org.
AGI welcomes your feedback on the first edition of the guide. If you have questions or comments, or if you would like an overview session about how to use the document, please email.
