[BCMA] Window film to reduce reflections

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Hi Elizabeth;

What you are experiencing is a standard phenomenon of optics; this can be a problem [as in your case] or a benefit [theatrical scrims or Pepper’s Ghost Effect].

Your window acts as either a reflective or transmissive medium depending on the relative light levels on either side of the glass.

In the evening or nighttime, when the light level on your displays inside is greater than the light level outside, then viewers outside can see in; the glass is transmissive.

Conversely, during the day, when the light level outside is greater than the light level on your display, then viewers outside see themselves [as I can see you in one of the photos] and whatever is outside; the glass is reflective. I note from your photos that the wagon wheels are easily seen because they are getting more light that the other display material farther into the room.

I am not aware of any window film that would resolve this problem without causing other undesirable issues.

One solution is of course increasing the light level on your displays; but that would mean costs [capital and operating] and perhaps conservation issues.

Another approach is to provide a light baffle, outside, a couple of meters tall and several meters away. Done properly, any reflection of the baffle would be dark, allowing the glass to be transmissive of the light from inside. One way of doing this would be a solid hedge of plantings. Another would be to construct a covered walkway [pergola] with solid or semi-solid baffles [trellises].

So, there are different ways to deal with your stated problem but I don’t think any window film or non-glare glass would be part of your solution. 

Hope this helps and sorry for the pedantry.

Cheers;
Chris
	
Chris Au CGD SEGD NAI
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Didax Design
Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada
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604 961 3472
LinkedIn <http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/chris-au/3/590/360>
Behance <http://www.behance.net/Chris_Au>
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> On Mar 11, 2019, at 2:29 PM, Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv. <bcma at lists.vifa.ca> wrote:
> 
> In 2017 we enclosed two outside exhibit spaces that display some of our larger transportation artifacts and mining equipment. Last year we installed large photo murals which provide a backdrop/context for the displays.  The spaces are lit at night and are quite impactful.  Unfortunately we did not use non- glare glass in the many large windows of the enclosures.  During the day (especially  in the summer) it is difficult to see into the displays from a distance due to the reflections on the glass.  ( Images attached)  
>  
> I was hoping that someone could recommend a film that could be applied to our existing windows to cut down on the reflections.      Most of the products advertised online  highlight the their ability to filter UV  and to prevent people from seeing into an office space, but we essentially want the reverse.   
> I have a quote through a local supplier and we will test it’s effectiveness by just doing one window, but I am not overly confident of the results.
>  
> If anyone else has encountered a similar problem and can make recommendations I would appreciate hearing from you.
>  
> Thank you.
>   
> Elizabeth Hunter
> Museum & Heritage Manager
> City of Quesnel
> Quesnel & District Museum & Archives
> 705 Carson Ave. Quesnel, BC  V2J 2B6
> 250-992-9580   www.quesnelmuseum.ca <http://www.quesnelmuseum.ca/>
>  
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