Innovations in Glass

An exploration of how architects are pushing the limits of technology to exploit the mutable nature of glass, its aesthetic qualities, and its energy-conserving potential.

By Architectural Record

James S. Russell, Josephine Minutillo, Joann Gonchar, Linda Lentz, and David Sokol

Learning Objectives:

Discuss glass manufacturing processes as well as fabrication options and limitations that architects should take into account while designing glazed building skins.
Define terms relevant to glass and glazing selection, such as VLT, U-value, and solar heat gain coefficient.
Discuss how architects like SANAA and Foster + Partners have overcome the detailing challenges presented by curved glass.
Describe how technologies such as electrochromic glazing and double skins work to improve energy efficiency.

Credits:

1 AIA LU/HSW

0.1 IACET CEU*

1 AIBD P-CE

AAA 1 Structured Learning Hour

This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines

AAPEI 1 Structured Learning Hour

MAA 1 Structured Learning Hour

This course can be self-reported to the NLAA.

This course can be self-reported to the NSAA

NWTAA 1 Structured Learning Hour

OAA 1 Learning Hour

SAA 1 Hour of Core Learning

This course can be self-reported to the AIBC, as per their CE Guidelines.

As an IACET Accredited Provider, BNP Media offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
This course is approved as a Structured Course
This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines
Approved for structured learning
Approved for Core Learning
This course can be self-reported to the NLAA
Course may qualify for Learning Hours with NWTAA
Course eligible for OAA Learning Hours
This course is approved as a core course
This course can be self-reported for Learning Units to the Architectural Institute of British Columbia

This test is no longer available for credit

Below are a set of links to building type studies from Architectural Record, which are in-depth analyses of particular kinds of buildings, with photos, drawings, specifications, detailed descriptions, and design solutions. Click on each link below, read the article then complete the quiz to earn your credit and certificate of completion.

Glass may be the most chameleonlike of building materials. Depending on how it is manipulated, combined with other materials, or how it is installed, it can appear transparent, translucent, or opaque. The same glass surface can take on varying characteristics in different atmospheric conditions. It can be made flat as a pancake or bent into perfect arcs. These stories explore how architects are pushing the limits of technology to exploit this material's mutable nature, its aesthetic qualities, and its energy-conserving potential-demonstrating that glass is more than merely molten sand.

Innovations In Glass

	Straight Story On Curves Fabrication advances allow architects to create buildings that are transparent or translucent, as well as sculptural. Photo © Thies Raetzke
	Reflections on the Box A new addition to the Corning Museum of Glass by Thomas Phifer and Partners continues a tradition of architectural invention at its upstate New York campus. Photo © Iwan Baan
	Thick-Skinned Two very different buildings deploy double curtain walls to satisfy the competing demands of transparency, efficiency, and comfort. Photo © Shen Zonghai
	Bigger, Flatter, Clearer Two towers rising is in Shenzhen, China, demonstrate Skidmore, Owings & Merrill's approach to creating transparent and pristine facades. Photo © SOM
	Dynamic Glass Three design teams explore the potential of electrochromic-glazing technology to enhance building-envelope performance and aesthetics. Photo courtesy Studio 804
	The Future Is Crystal Clear Architects, scientists, and manufacturers look toward emerging technologies and materials to develop the next generation of glass and glazing products. Photo courtesy GlassX

Subscribe to Architectural Record - Save 10%.

Originally published in March 2015

Notice

----- Advertising -----