By definition, the "moiré effect is a visual perception that occurs when viewing a set of lines or dots that is superimposed on another set of lines or dots, where the sets differ in relative size, angle, or spacing. The moiré effect can be seen when looking through ordinary window screens at another screen or background."
The properties of this effect can be used as a design advantage to create privacy where there is glazing at ground level for people inside a building and a visually dynamic effect for people walking by on the outside of the building. We utilized this effect at UBC's Chan Gunn Sports Medicine Pavilion, where privacy was required for people undergoing rehabilitation therapy inside while a level of visual interest and dynamic appeal was desired on the outside. Repositionable screens containing graphics using the moiré principle are placed against a piece of glass with white and clear vertical stripes. When viewed from the outside the combination of the exterior printed glass and the interior printed graphics on the screens produces a dynamic moire effect.
We can break down the screen's design and functionality into three key points:
- Meeting UBC’s guidelines for super graphics within their sports precinct. Using our internal plus design resources, we developed an integrated and dynamic response.
- Creating privacy for patients within the centre during busy rush periods for the adjacent Thunderbird Arena.
- Providing sunshading and minimizing glare.
Watch an animation of how the effect will look once built.