Example 5: Vector graphics are an effective way to carry logos, colors, and other branding elements across a project.

For example, if you have an existing business-card logo, you can bring the digital file into the app and use it as your source image for creating impactful laminated-glass designs. The infinite scalability of vector graphics means you can match project dimensions and other application requirements even when starting with a very small file.

And, because patterns, colors, and dimensions are fully customizable through the app’s image-editing tools, there are countless ways to customize a design. Whether you take a literal approach or explore ways to make more of an abstract statement, vector graphics allow you to creatively translate a brand’s message and express the personality of a space.

Example 6: Visual merchandising is another way to creatively realize the potential of vector graphics in architectural laminated glass.

Because a wide range of visuals can serve as a starting point, personal photo libraries and mementos can be a useful resource. For example, you can turn a client’s shots of the merchandise itself into a source image. Draw on photos of items that support a brand’s look and feel—event memorabilia, sports team logos, or corporate identity graphics might come into play. You can also customize other imagery with project-specific importance to communicate a brand’s unique sense of style.

Likewise, explore different image treatments and effects to create just the right look. Use the app’s filters and controls to quickly work through ideas, modify designs, keep pace with changing client preferences, match or complement other colors and textures, or interpret the same source image in multiple ways for use in different areas on a project.

Example 7: Vector graphics are a surprisingly versatile way to create cohesive design output and tie to other materials on a project.

Great starting points are often within easy reach; for example, simply capture a shot of your design board to use as the source image for your vector design. Another option is to take photos of material swatches. This is a surefire way to integrate project colors into your glass design and match the tones of the same materials used in non-glass aspects of a project. Still another strategy might be to capture shots of the project setting as a way to bring the specifics of an environment into your design. This way, colors, textures, and light can be creatively translated through the app into highly original vector artwork.

Regardless of approach or interpretation, using site-sourced vector graphics can be an easy way to ensure cohesion and a readily identifiable brand.

Example 8: If you are starting with a source image that is already abstract, you can use the design tool’s filters and controls to take the abstraction to exciting new levels.

There is no need to start with a literal image. Patterns, textures, close-ups, details, or the perfect combination of colors can all be intriguing and serve as viable starting points for creating highly original vector artwork. Just drag your source image into the app and let your imagination do the rest.

You will quickly find that the results will speak for themselves: vector graphics offer unparalleled creative potential for bringing highly customized imagery to laminated-glass applications of any size or scale.

Conclusion

Vector graphics hold tremendous potential for large-scale architectural applications.

Because of their infinite scalability, vector graphics have many advantages over raster graphics. In particular, by addressing the challenges of resolution and scale, they enable images of almost any size to be transformed into highly original designs of almost any scale.

Architects and designers should now be aware that they have many options for creating vector graphics. In addition to traditional programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, newer web-based technologies are becoming increasingly accessible and relevant. Those that produce vector designs for a specific end use or material—laminated glass, for example—can be especially useful.

Laminated glass is a creative and functional material with high applicability for addressing a growing trend: the use of photography and other artwork to enhance public spaces, and specifically, the incorporation of regional and setting-specific imagery to achieve this.

As the examples have illustrated, the use of vector graphics in laminated-glass applications give designers more ways than ever to use laminated glass to bring nature into a space, incorporate local views, support a brand’s look and feel, align with project design schemes, and make a large-scale, high-impact design statement.