In the modern open office, privacy has become the most expensive currency. How to join lobby openness with the need for confidentiality in offices? The answer lies in 'smart' glass. PDLC technology allows for changing partition transparency in fractions of a second, turning an open showcase into a protected cocoon. We examine how photonics and design work in tandem.
Liquid Crystal Magic: How it Works
PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) is a kind of 'sandwich' of two glass layers, with a polymer film containing liquid crystals between them. In the off state, the crystals are arranged randomly, scattering light and making the glass matte. When current is applied, they instantly align into a clear structure, and the glass becomes 90% transparent. This is not just an effect — it is a full-fledged space management tool.
In our projects, we integrate Smart Glass control into the overall 'Smart Office' system. The glass can become matte automatically as soon as a guest enters a meeting area or when a projector is turned on in the hall.
Projection Screen: Reception as a Media Object
The Second Purpose
In the matte state, 'smart' glass is an ideal canvas for rear projection. This allows for turning the partition behind the reception desk into a giant high-definition screen. You can broadcast a logo, a greeting for an important guest, or a presentation of new products directly onto the lobby walls while maintaining the interior's lightness and transparency.
