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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 10 Hansard (18 October) . . Page.. 3218 ..

Changes were made to the roof design to provide a more visible shadow on the ground by increasing the colour tint in the glass and increasing the density of the "frit" or pattern in the glass roof. This modified roof was installed in all shelters facing West and North.

The glass itself is a very effective barrier to Ultra Violet (UV) radiation, blocking about 99.9%. It also blocks more than half the incident Infra Red (IR) radiation, which causes heat. The open nature of the structures allows the passage of breezes through the shelters and provides a cooling effect on hot days.

Temperature measurements undertaken in February 2000 showed that the new shelters perform as well as the old shelters with the opaque roofs. The old shelters with the acrylic roofs performed worst of all in providing shelter from the sun and heat.

(b) Shelter from rain

The roof design was modified by the inclusion of extensions at the back of the roof. Since the installation of these extensions, inspections have shown there is a marked improvement in shelter from rain.

Because of the open nature of the structures, chosen to overcome the "closed in" feeling experienced by users of the old structures, and the need to provide gaps at ground level for cleaning, it is not possible to provide complete shelter in all levels of weather. The new shelters aimed at providing a reasonable level of protection for commuters, while also providing an open, pleasant and inviting environment in the interchange.