Question

There have been advances in many traditional building systems in response to environmental and energy conservation concerns. "Electrochromic," "suspended particle," and "liquid crystal" are terms that relate to technological developments for which traditional building component?

Answer

We are referring to glazing systems. "Smart glass" technology is based on electrochromic, suspended particle, or liquid crystal devices. In each case, electrical charge is applied to the system to modify light transmission characteristics. For example, suspended particle devices have randomly oriented particles suspended in fluid between panes of glass. These particles normally darken the glass, but when charged by electricity, these particles align and allow light to pass through.