Blog

The Importance of Glass

Returning to Life after COVID  

It’s safe to say that this global pandemic has been a cumbersome learning lesson for us all in with regards to our understanding of cleanliness, bacteria, and how susceptible we all are too rapid contamination. And with so many uncertainties still on the horizon, we continue to seek solutions and safety in the areas we can control. Something born out of the crisis is special attention to the materials that we build with and the obvious need for partition equipment and spatial solutions. Because these circumstances are all so new and constantly changing, much of the information and understanding we have is not necessarily rooted in fact. To arrive at undisputed facts, it takes years of trial and error, scientific testing, and data analysis. Yet because we don’t have time to waste in this battle against Coronavirus, we are forced to make micro-adjustments day-to-day when attempting to understand what works and what doesn’t.

One of the serious debates during these unprecedented times has been the question of plastic versus glass. While many establishments are choosing to integrate plastic spatial solutions and Standing Wall Partitions or medical dividers, others are opting for higher quality glass products to facilitate the need for a spatial barrier. In this article, we will examine the properties of each and how the chemical properties of partition equipment directly affect our fight against the coronavirus.

Glass versus Plexi, which is better?

Without a doubt, both materials have their own individual value and beneficial qualities. After all, Plexiglass is often considered to be a more durable, harder to crack alternative to glass that still maintains a similar function. But while Plexi may be more durable in the heavily trafficked areas, glass will always be more sanitary, easier to clean, and less porous than acrylic plastics, making them the safer choice of the two for this specific need.

“Glass tends to cost less than Plexiglass and can be more scratch resistant and more easily recycled. Though the benefits of plexiglass are that it may be stronger, more shatter-resistant, and resistant to the elements and erosion than glass.” –Binswanger Glass

Standing Wall Partitions

 

Where to Integrate Glass in Business

For any commercial establishment, whether a place of business, a restaurant, or educational institutions, it has become a necessity to provide a physical barrier between employees and customers or faculty and student at highly trafficked points of contact. This is where durable high-quality Sliding Glass Wall Partitions are a wonderful ally in flighting the spread of COVID 19. Glass medical screens are an extremely helpful tool in creating a physical barrier between people in group settings. A lot of restaurants are now installing large-scale glass wall dividers between tables in order to create more safety and security for their customers and employees alike. Within any business, you should be considering how and where you can install glass dividers at points of contact or within heavily trafficked areas.

The Reopening of Schools

Now that we are quickly nearing the end of summer vacation, one of the biggest concerns on the minds of most parents is whether or not schools will be reopening this fall. As many places are adapting to be more cognizant of the transmission of illnesses, schools are also heavily rethinking the interior design of their institutions too. Since children have less spatial awareness and cleanliness standards, it may be time for a modern design solution.

Glass Office Partitions

While many schools are opting for home-school with online classes this fall, there are a growing number of educational establishments that are indeed returning to a physical learning environment. With this, schools will be asked to come up with solutions to ensure that all students and faculty remain physically separated and socially distanced during the school day. Introducing modular glass dividers and Glass Office Partitions into the classroom could be the spatial solution many schools are looking for. These dividers are super easy to install, offer enhanced flexibility as compared with a standard wall, and are very easy to clean and disinfect. As faculty and janitors will be asked to continuously clean surfaces and disinfect, it only makes sense to use glass rather than acrylic as it is the easiest to wipe down and disinfect.

By utilizing transparent spatial barriers indoors, you can help protect your employees and customers from the person-to-person transmission of Coronavirus. Make your establishment as safe as possible for everyone by integrating Glass Room Dividers and standing glass partitions. Visit Space Plus, A Division of the Sliding Door Company online to view our online catalog, and Get a quote from one of our professionals today.

SP 1015

Blog

The Science of Plants: Why Integrating These Leafy Greens into Our Interiors Could Change Lives

In the past couple of years, there has been a trending resurgence within the interior design world to bring plants and other natural elements indoors in order to create a sanctuary within living spaces. As humans, we sometimes fail to recognize how impactful the natural world has on our daily lives. Neglecting this very basic human need can result in disharmony from being so disconnected from nature. We truly need a healthy dose of greenery each day in order to feel wholesome, renewed, and healthy.

Now more so than ever, the need for plants, trees, and other natural elements in our living spaces has become invaluable for our collective well being during a worldwide health crisis. With an unprecedented amount of time spent indoors this year, we must recognize the need for nature indoors, and begin to design our interiors with this in mind. Not just in our personal homes, but also in our places of work, hospitals, medical centers, and educational institutions. By integrating the outside indoors, we can provide health sanctuaries for our clients, customers, and patients and help everyone remain as healthy as possible.

So why plants?

Many of the invaluable health effects of plants and the environmental benefits of these leafy greens are lost on the general population. Most of us are not educated on the importance of plants and what they provide for our planet, what they do for our indoor and outdoor air quality, and their ability to enhance human moods. Countless studies have shown that the integration of indoor plants into an interior space has improved the indoor air quality and become a natural system of filtration that keeps everyone breathing healthy air and getting the oxygen we need.

“Studies have proven that house plants improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15%), reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. To create your perfect green haven, it’s worthwhile spending a little bit of time researching the plants that are best suited for each room and what kind of environment.” -Sophie Lee, NBC News

In addition to the elemental benefits that plants provide, they also have shown to be mood-enhancers and concentration boosters through scientific studies. Whether our human needs show that we truly feel happier and more comfortable in an environment that mimics the outdoors, or if there is actually some chemical benefit that increases our serotonin, the emotional effects on our health are unquestionable.

Plants in Our Interiors

Where are plants best used?

Of course, it’s wonderful to surround yourself with plants in your own home, but even better is integrating these beautiful beings into otherwise sterile environments that could be elevated to enhance the occupant’s experience. Hospitals are one of the best places that we should begin to integrate more plants and greenery into. The invaluable asset of good interior design on one’s ability to heal and recover is huge. Not only do plants freshen the air, but they also create harmony within an indoor environment that is otherwise devoid of life. Artificial lighting, little visibility to the outdoors, and in general, a meek surrounding can oftentimes lead to patients’ dissatisfaction, length recovery times, and general sadness while in medical facilities.

“Not only do plants enhance oxygen levels but some studies indicate a plant nearby can lower blood pressure, reduce the need for painkillers, and enhance the overall mood of a patient. Incorporating indoor and outdoor viewing gardens into hospital plans has been undertaken for several years now, and the evidence is clear regarding healing plants and their uses.” -Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist, Gardening Know-How

How can plants thrive indoors?

Most interior house plants are not exactly designed to survive in completely dark, shaded indoor environments. Indoor plants still need plenty of secondhand indoor light, which is easily provided through light-allowing windows and full-sized Glass Wall Partitions, for example. If you have a medical facility and would like to begin integrating more greenery into your interiors, you also must take into account the available light you’re working with. Installing easy to clean, medical-grade Sliding Glass Wall Partitions and floor to sliding glass room dividers will help to bring in tons of natural light that will excite not only the plants but also your patients.

By providing a more health-centered medical facility complete with beautiful greenery and increased natural light, you can improve the quality of life and health for your patients and staff. Make your wellness facility as safe as possible for everyone involved. With full hospitals and medical facilities due to COVID 19, ensure your facility a safe place by integrating glass room dividers and glass partitions. Visit Space Plus, A Division of the Sliding Door Company online to view our online catalog, and Get a quote from one of our professionals today.

SP 1013