An Atlanta hospital needed to provide visitors with extra privacy. To do so, it turned to a novel technology: switchable film.

Emory Hospital in Midtown Atlanta: The Emergency Room wanted to turn its registration counter into a triage room, where patients are assessed and prioritized based on the type and urgency of their conditions. Privacy was required for evaluating patients, so the hospital turned to Custom Sun Control.

Emory Hospital in Midtown Atlanta: The Emergency Room wanted to turn its registration counter into a triage room, which requires privacy. Smart film was the solution. Photo: Brad DeVane / Custom Sun Control.

The Georgia-based provider of window film solutions installed Lucent smart film, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal smart film with a non-chemical-based adhesive that allows retrofitting onto existing glass. Custom Sun Control’s Brad DeVane says the film was applied to the glass while hospital operations continued.

The film switches from opaque to transparent instantly. It is easily installed on existing windows, doors and glass partitions. When Emory Hospital staff need to assess a patient, they flip the switch, turning the glass/film from clear to opaque and back again.

DeVane says the project wasn’t that difficult despite the emergency room remaining open. However, he notes that the rooms’ counters had several different heights to keep the band level going across the top. He adds that Custom Sun Control is used to working with an audience and has worked on various projects throughout its 44-year history. As such, the company finished the project in three days.

DeVane notes that switchable film is becoming a popular product with more budgeting requests.

“Technology is advancing, you have to also,” he says.