Natural Light for Focused Learning – OKALUX in the John Spoor Broome Library

Natural Light for Focused Learning – OKALUX in the John Spoor Broome Library
Photo source
© Tim Griffith

Date: 25 July 2025

At the heart of CSU Channel Islands, OKALUX glass helps create a bright, comfortable study environment by softly diffusing natural light throughout the library.

Located in Camarillo, California, the John Spoor Broome Library blends architectural heritage with modern daylight design. Designed by Foster + Partners, the building forms the academic heart of the campus, linking historic structures from the 1930s and 1950s with new, light-filled wings and a distinctive roof structure.

The new sections rest on slender columns, largely avoiding solid walls. Glass façades and bookcases define the interior space, characterized by generous sightlines and a bright, open atmosphere.

OKALUX insulating glass with integrated capillaries was used to achieve this effect. It distributes daylight evenly and without glare deep into the building. This ensures that adjacent spaces benefit from natural light without exposure to direct sunlight or excessive heat gain.

The result: significantly improved light quality while reducing energy demands for artificial lighting and cooling – a win for students, the environment, and architecture.

Natural Light for Focused Learning – OKALUX in the John Spoor Broome Library
© Tim Griffith

Project: John Spoor Broome Library
Location: Camarillo, California, USA
Product: OKALUX
Copyright: © Tim Griffith
Architectural Firm: Foster + Partners
Completion: 2007
Application: Roof
Building Type: Educational Facility

Natural Light for Focused Learning – OKALUX in the John Spoor Broome Library
© Tim Griffith
600450 Natural Light for Focused Learning – OKALUX in the John Spoor Broome Library glassonweb.com

Others also read

Dr. Stephen Morse of Michigan Technological University shares first-look results on vacuum insulated glass (VIG) durability at the FGIA Fall Conference.
An environmental psychologist reported on the latest lighting research and the impact of lighting on human health during the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Fall Conference in Calgary, AB.
ToughGlaze, a leading supplier of commercial glass in the UK for over 30 years, was the first company in the world to purchase the Sparklike Handheld NOVA™. In this customer story, they share their experience with the device.
The Rooflight Association will exhibit at FIT Show 2027, using the UK’s only exhibition representing the entire fenestration supply chain to promote higher standards in rooflight design, installation, compliance and ongoing performance.
Foster + Partners, BIG, MVRDV and other renowned offices at the architecture forum
Registration is now open for the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Insulating Glass (IG) Fabricators Workshop, which will be held October 27-29 at the Intertek testing facility in Fridley, MN.

Add new comment

From industry

Polígono Industrial El Bayo, parcela I, 19
24492 Cubillos del Sil León
Spain

Ottergemsesteenweg 707-Zuid
9000 Ghent
Belgium