How does a glass facade help enhance natural daylighting without causing glare or heat gain issues?

A glass façade enhances natural daylight by allowing sunlight into the interior environment while controlling glare and heat gain using engineered glazing systems, coatings, and shading elements. Low-E glass selectively filters wavelengths to minimize infrared heat transfer while allowing a high level of visible light transmission, improving indoor brightness without increasing cooling loads. Selective glazing reduces solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), improving thermal comfort. Fritted glass, ceramic printing, light shelves, fins, and external louvers help redirect or diffuse sunlight, minimizing glare on work surfaces. Advanced façade systems incorporate automated shading controlled by sensors that respond to sunlight intensity, thereby dynamically balancing light levels. The orientation of the building plays a major role; north-facing facades deliver consistent daylight, while south-facing facades may require additional shading. Computational daylight simulations during design help architects optimize window-to-wall ratios, glazing types, and shading geometries. The result is a well-balanced indoor environment with reduced artificial lighting demand, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced occupant comfort.