Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 1: Is That Switchable Glass in Keeley’s Office?

Calling all Ted Lasso fans! Did you catch the glass-related moment in the first episode of season three? Keeley Jones’ executive office, in her newly established PR firm’s swanky office space, has a distinct feature: a wall made with switchable privacy glass. 

In the scene, Keeley gives Rebecca a tour of her new office. As she walks around her desk, she picks up a remote and points it at the wall. Suddenly, the clear glass turns opaque, providing privacy and blocking the rest of the office from seeing in.

She shows off the impressive wall in the episode saying, “My office comes with fun features, like this.” To which Rebecca responds, “…quite cool.” High praise coming from Rebecca!

This isn’t just Hollywood’s special effects. Switchable glass, also known as smart glass, is a revolutionary (and real) technology that allows users to change the glass from transparent to opaque at the flip of a switch. It’s a small moment in the episode, but it shows how switchable glass can be a game-changer in the workplace. This technology gives those inside the building the best of both worlds: natural light and the openness of a glass-walled office, as well as privacy and the ability to focus in a traditional office space.

Switchable glass is not only practical, it’s also a statement piece that can enhance the look and feel of any office. The sleek, modern look of the glass fits perfectly with Keeley’s style and sets the tone for a cutting-edge business environment.

How Does Switchable Glass Work?

Switchable glass, also called dynamic glass, uses technology to control the different forms of light that pass through the glass. Infrared radiation- the light we feel as heat- can be blocked with switchable glass. The glass can also block UV and visible light by switching from transparent to opaque. 

Smart glass can be active or passive. If the glass is active, that means it requires an electric charge to activate. When an electric current is applied to active smart glass, the molecules inside the technology will align or scatter when the glass is turned on or off, respectively. This allows the light to pass through or not, creating opaque or transparent glass.

Types of Switchable Glass

There are a few types of active switchable glass, including Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) glass, Suspended Particle Device (SPD) glass, and Electrochromic (EC) glass. Generated by an electric charge, these types of glass will have varying levels of opacity for use in shading, privacy, or blocking IR light.

Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) Glass and Suspended Particle Device (SPD) Glass

PDLC and SPD glass can be either laminated into or retrofitted onto glass. Of the different types of smart glass, PDLC is the most widely used technology and can be used in interior or exterior settings. It allows users to switch the glass from clear to opaque or any shade in between. This means the glass can turn into a whiteboard or a projection screen. SPD glass is used for windows that benefit from tinting to provide shade, such as automotive glass or glass for commercial buildings.

Electrochromic (EC) Glass

Electrochromic (EC) glass contains a thin layer of electrochromic material, which can change its color or opacity when an electric current is applied. While EC glass isn’t fully opaque, it can be changed throughout the day to manage glare, energy use, and coloring.

Photochromic and Thermochromic Glass

Photochromic glass and thermochromic glass are passive smart glass technologies. Photochromic glass is used for things such as transition eyeglasses, in which the lenses darken to become sunglasses when exposed to sunlight. Thermochromic glass changes shade in response to temperature.

What is Switchable Glass Used for?

Switchable glass can be used in a variety of applications, including conference rooms like Keeley’s office, architecture, transportation, and electronics. In architecture, switchable glass can be used in windows, doors, skylights, and partitions to control the amount of light and heat entering a building, as well as for privacy and security purposes. This increases the energy efficiency of a building. In transportation, switchable glass can be used in train or car windows and sunroofs to reduce glare and heat and to provide privacy. In electronics, switchable glass can be used in displays and touchscreens to improve visibility and reduce glare. 

Overall, switchable smart glass is a versatile technology that offers many benefits in a variety of applications. As technology continues to develop and become more affordable, we’ll likely see more and more uses for this innovative material.

Switchable glass makes a statement – even Nate the Great would be impressed. How would you use switchable glass in your business or home? Drop a comment below!