The Structure of Transparency: A View of Current and Future Uses of Glass in Architecture

James Carpenter, James Carpenter Design Associates Inc.

Recent directions in the use of glass in contemporary architecture have pursued both ephemeral and energy conscious directions as evidenced in a broad body of work occurring worldwide, and by the recent exhibition, “Light Construction” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The ephemeral is characterized by architectural explorations into transparency, luminescence and dematerialization; all attributes beyond the simply transparent plane of glass. These explorations are pursuing a greater role for glass as a structural material; glass as a sophisticated membrane in double facade skins (smart buildings); glass as a transparent or colored contributor to active daylighting systems. Issues such as fire resistance, acoustical barriers and security are being driven by the interest in using greater areas of glass in many of these contemporary projects. This talk will give an overview of these trends and potential markets for glass in the future.

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The Authors

Mr. James Carpenter Architect James Carpenter Design Associates Inc. In 1991, the American Institute of Architects conferred their Institute Honor Award on James Carpenter as "an artist whose rare, unsurpassed technical expertise and sculptor's sensitivity have moved h... Read more