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DECEMBER 2019 | 27 Walls & Ceilings PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY FORMGLAS "Prominent biologist E.O. Wilson argues that there is a genetic proclivity on the part of humanity to focus on and affiliate with nature, or more specifically with biodiversity," says Thorne. "Findings suggest that 'even unspectacular natural settings can promote stress recovery faster and more completely than urban environments lacking nature.' Other research suggests that exposure to nature can induce positive shifts in emotion, facilitate high-order cognitive functioning, and even increase creativity and productivity." All this is to say: living walls aren't just a great backdrop for Instagram: walls offer psychological and physiological benefits. These productivity-boosting benefits can be especially helpful in office archi- tecture. "Biophilic design and corporate branding may seem at odds at first, but Millennial fondness for flora means that both can help hire young professionals and get the most out of them." S O U N D A D V I C E Greenery isn't the only thing that can affect the environment. Acoustical engineer- ing – or lack thereof – can make or break a spatial experience. This goes for offices, residential spaces, restaurants, and even institutional settings like hospitals or schools. "The need for acoustical engineering is becoming a more prevalent element for consideration in schools for all levels of learn- ing," Canadian company Wallworks Acoustic Architectural Products Inc. pointed out on its Facebook page recently. "Distracting background noise caused by mechanical throttle, echoes, reverberation, vibration, and deflection has a profound effect on children in particular, whose fine-tuned hearing is highly sensitive to all types of sound. Students predisposed to heightened attention sensitivities are at increased risk. It is time to integrate healthy design and the integration of WELL principles of building for our future." Formglas' extensive line of German-engineered metal ceilings (in partnership with Durlum Gmbh), daylighting, and acoustical systems has won the company high-profile awards, and improved many a North American space in the process. Employing sophisticated suspension systems, the product line is engineered to be horizontally suspended or mounted vertically to create interesting and dynamic ceiling-to-wall transitions incorporating a variety of powder coated finishes, perforation details, custom inkjet printing options, and acoustical treatments. "Imagine a world where walls become ceilings and vice versa," says Jerry Rotondaro, VP of marketing for Formglas. He points to the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk, Poland, as one great example of what the future of walls and ceilings could be: the venue ingeniously employs Durlum's Polylam system (a linear, open vertical baffle system). F R E S H F O A M O P T I O N S Things are changing behind our walls, as well as on the surface. As we increase our awareness of environmentally-friendly options, more manufacturers are shifting gear into fourth-generation blowing agents. "They're more environmentally friendly, with less of a GWP score," says Andrew Cole, executive director for the Canadian Urethane Foam Contractors Association (CUFCA). Changes to the per- ceived eco-friendliness of spray foam have affected the industry over the past few years, but as technology evolves, there are less barriers to including spray foam into LEED buildings. "If you're an architect or designer, if you had a particular bias towards eco and LEED scores, you might've excluded spray polyurethane foam because of past low eco scores, but things are changing." One factor in the changing tide for spray foam is the consideration of sustainability beyond the R-value. "You get airtight assemblies with increased racking strength," says Cole. "As the material chemically reacts and expands, it glues itself to all the wood, the nooks and crannies, and bones sub- strate surfaces together." These stronger walls are more likely to withstand earthquakes or other natural disasters. "It's a holistic approach that fills a gap in the market," says Cole. Consider this a snapshot of an ever-changing industry, one constantly reacting to consumer demands and building codes. Really, when it comes to advancements in ceilings and wall products, we've barely scratched the surface. A Durlum's Polylam system with integrated lighting. 60 Torlake Crescent, Toronto, Ontario Ph: 416.252.5461 Fax: 416.252.8485 E: info@envirowall.com envirowall.com Envirowall_Award1219.indd 1 11/15/19 11:29 AM

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