Frank Gehry famously observed, “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”
For architects, the eternal tension between form and function takes on new urgency when human safety hangs in the balance.
As a child growing up in Barbados taping up all the windows in anticipation of the annual hurricanes, architect Alyssa-Amor Gibbons wondered why there wasn’t a better way to keep people safe in their structures.
After watching the devastating impact of fire, wind, burglaries, bomb blasts, and hundreds of school shootings, Dave Trudeau, inventor and Founder of Clear-Armor, also wondered the same thing.
Traditional bulletproof windows have long forced designers to sacrifice their vision, requiring bulky frames and substantial structural modifications. But through innovative security laminate technology, architects can now achieve state-of-the-art protection while preserving the clean lines, natural light, and design flexibility that modern architecture demands.
A Time of Unprecedented Security Challenges
The truth is, in today’s increasingly unpredictable world, architectural design faces a sobering reality: buildings must now protect occupants from an expanding range of threats. From 1970-2022, there have been 2069 shooting incidents at K-12 schools.
Beyond active shooter scenarios, buildings must also withstand bomb threats – which frequently target schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial spaces – causing operational disruption and psychological impact even when no device is present.
In addition to the staggering human cost, the financial impact of traditional security measures is significant. Installing bulletproof glass can run into the millions. For schools, government buildings, and healthcare facilities, these traditional security upgrades mean lengthy timelines, major structural modifications, and prohibitive costs. Yet the need for protection continues to grow. In 2022 alone, over 43,000 children were exposed to gunfire at school.
These challenges compelled Trudeau to create something revolutionary: the first and only globally patented security laminate that could protect vulnerable glass while preserving architectural design freedom.
Design Freedom vs. Traditional Constraints
Glass is a defining element of modern architectural design, transforming spaces with natural light and visual connection. Yet as Clear-Armor Senior VP Mario Martin notes, glass is one of the most vulnerable parts of any building. Traditional bullet proof windows attempt to address this vulnerability, but at a steep cost to design. The sheer weight demands heavy frames and substantial structural modifications, severely limiting where they can be placed. Upper floors often can’t support the load, and many existing buildings simply weren’t engineered to accommodate such weight.
Clear-Armor has revolutionized this landscape with patented security laminate technology. Breaking free from traditional constraints, the innovation makes it possible to secure spaces previously deemed impossible to protect, including a unique one-way ballistic capability that traditional bullet proof glass can’t match.
The applications are transformative, with the ability to secure conference rooms on the 20th floor, the 60th floor, even elevator lobbies in penthouses – locations where traditional bullet proof glass wasn’t previously an option. The technology accommodates panes up to 96 inches without unsightly seams, enabling the floating glass designs and expansive views modern architecture demands.
Perhaps most importantly, security laminates preserve the clean aesthetic of modern design. Without bulky frames or visible modifications, the protection remains discreet. As Alex Trudeau, Clear-Armor’s COO explains, security is a double-edged sword – you don’t want to make it obvious you’re using bulletproof glass at entrances because that might deter people from using them. Clear-Armor’s solution provides protection while remaining virtually undetectable.
Expanding Your Architectural Practice With Clear-Armor
Many architectural firms aren’t even aware that bullet-resistant laminate technology exists as an alternative to traditional bullet proof glass, creating a significant opportunity for practice expansion.
Early integration in the design phase yields substantial cost benefits. In one recent example of a new headquarters project in Dallas, our team suggested modifying the specified glass thickness, reducing both material costs and the number of security layers required while maintaining the same protection level. This kind of value engineering gives architects a significant competitive edge in bidding.
The cost advantages are striking. In one hospital project, traditional bulletproof glass was quoted at $7 million with 4-6 months of disruption. Clear-Armor completed the project at a fraction of that cost in just four weeks, while preserving the original architectural aesthetic.
Future-Proofing Architectural Security
As security needs evolve, architects must anticipate changing requirements and technologies. Some states are beginning to mandate security measures for schools, similar to how Florida requires impact-resistant glass in new public buildings. Rather than waiting for these requirements to become universal, forward-thinking architects are integrating adaptable security solutions now.
Clear-Armor’s technology offers unique future-proofing capabilities. Unlike traditional bulletproof glass, which is fixed at one protection level, our laminate system can be enhanced over time. If a client needs to upgrade from handgun to rifle protection or increase the number of rounds their windows can stop, layers can be added without replacing the entire system.
Clear-Armor’s sole-source patent for one-way ballistic protection and its position as the industry’s only proven manufacturer of this technology make it particularly valuable for architects looking ahead. As Alex Trudeau notes, this isn’t just about current threats – it’s about creating buildings that can adapt to changing security needs while maintaining their architectural integrity.
For architects, this technology transforms how they approach security in their designs. As one Colorado architect explains, they can now incorporate protection as an integrated design element rather than a limiting constraint. This means being able to offer clients sophisticated security solutions while maintaining design integrity – from floating glass walls to unique window shapes that would be impossible with traditional bulletproof glass. Most importantly, architects can focus on creating inspiring spaces that serve their intended purpose while keeping occupants safe.
Clear-Armor Forced Entry (SL-15), Crowd Riot (SL-31), and Bullet Resistant (BR) laminate products are sold exclusively by Clear-Armor for residential, professional and business use only and can be installed anywhere in the world. Clear-Armor is GSA and Federal CAGE code approved, world-patented, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
To learn more, please contact us to book a custom demonstration or consultation.