About Northwestern University
Northwestern is committed to excellent teaching, innovative research and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.
Facts & Figures: 3 campuses; 12 schools and colleges; 21,000 total enrolled students; 3,334 full-time faculty members; 19 intercollegiate athletic teams; 500+ student organizations and clubs
The Solar Control Challenge
Foster-Walker Complex, affectionately known as Plex to students, is the only campus residence that includes a package center, c-store, and a dining commons (two, in fact).
Foster-Walker is a popular choice among students both for the services available and for the abundance of single rooms, which offer students a private space while also building community via the many lounges scattered throughout the building, including a massive basement lounge with game tables.
The Solution
Northwestern staff required a solar control solution to refresh the dated 1” mini blinds throughout the building’s 4 wings and common areas to better serve light control for the residents. Over 750 SmoothMove® Manual Roller Shades by IWS were installed.
Northwestern University specified SmoothMove® Manual Roller Shades fitted with 2×2 Basketweave traditional fabric in a 1% openness for privacy, which allows students and staff to enjoy the light blocking benefits inherent in light-colored fabrics but avoid the heat transmission issues that are typical with dark fabrics.
With privacy being a major concern, NU staff conducted a multi month mock simulation of the different fabrics in order to zero in on the best choice for their challenge.
Product Details
System:
– SmoothMove™ Manual Roller Shade (SM-1)
Control:
– Clutch operated roller shades with #10 stainless steel bead chain
Fabric:
– 2×2 Basketweave / 1% Openness/ White
Fascia:
– 3″ Fascia / Color: White
Safety:
– P-Clip / Color: Clear
Results
Click here to see a virtual tour of a room
