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To help ensure accessibility of fresh air and a connection with the outdoors for those with physical disabilities, windows capable of meeting specific operating force and motion requirements are being more commonly specified in the United States. What do design professionals need to know about meeting or exceeding various universal access requirements? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the importance of accessibility to fresh air and a connection to the outdoors for people with physical disabilities, and how operable windows help in meeting these requirements in skilled nursing and personal care facilities, family dwellings, and other facilities. It focuses on the need of making windows according to specifications from International Code Council/American National Standards Institute (ICC/ANSI) A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

Whether the energy-efficiency goals of a new construction or renovation project are modest or approaching net near-zero-energy performance, an integrated approach between many disciplines is required. Windows, curtain wall, and the rest of the building envelope are important in achieving those goals. Occupants value views, light, and connection to the outdoors, and unwanted condensation must be avoided. Energy-modeling tools offer the design team convenient and accurate ways of assessing the impact of their design decisions on energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]