A Mapes panel is a type of infill panel commonly employed in curtain wall systems and storefront glazing. These panels, typically opaque, are installed between vision glass areas to conceal structural elements, mechanical systems, or other interior components from view. Functionally, they serve as a non-vision area within a larger glazed facade. An example of its use would be in a high-rise office building where sections of the floor slab and HVAC ductwork are hidden behind these panels, maintaining a clean and uniform exterior aesthetic.
The incorporation of these panels offers several benefits. They contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the overall area of transparent glazing, potentially lowering heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, they provide design flexibility, allowing architects to create visually interesting facades with varied textures, colors, and materials. Historically, these panels have evolved from simple opaque glass to more sophisticated constructions incorporating insulation, metal cladding, and composite materials to meet increasingly stringent performance requirements.
