Evaluating the impact of bird collision prevention glazing patterns on window views

Abstract

Optimal design of bird collisions prevention glazing patterns is pivotal in the protection of avian ecology and provision of quality window views for building occupants. However, a research gap currently exists regarding the impact of different pattern designs on the quality of window views. Therefore, this study evaluates the influence of various bird collision prevention pattern designs on window view clarity. A total of 18 patterns, including dot matrix, vertical stripes, and horizontal stripes, were designed and evaluated. The patterns had varying combinations of coverage rates and spacing ratios. Sixty participants were recruited to participate in an experimental survey using virtual reality (VR) technology. They were asked to rate the level of clarity of window views observed through different glazing pattern designs. The results indicated that the bird collision prevention glazing pattern designs significantly influenced occupants’ perception of visual clarity. Designs featuring horizontal and vertical stripes attained higher visual clarity ratings compared to the dot matrix pattern. Additionally, visual clarity significantly decreased with increasing coverage rates and designs with larger spacing ratios were associated with higher clarity than smaller spacing ratios. Most participants were willing to sacrifice window view quality in order to minimize bird fatalities. These findings can guide the development of window view evaluation criteria in existing green building standards, by accounting for the trade-off between avian conservation and window view clarity.