Structural Use of Glass in Modern Façade Design

Wilfried Laufs

Modern glass structures have evolved from the traditional single-layered framed window glazing to loadcarrying, high-performing structural elements with key impact on aesthetic qualities of modern architecture. Due to the complexity of the use of glass elements, contemporary projects involve numerous façade consultancy aspects (Figure 1), which need to be considered to derive a high quality result. Whitby Bird & Partners Façade Engineering group therefore takes a multi-disciplinary approach for the development of glazing envelopes, offering various specialist consultancy aspects from the early design stages through the tender process up to construction on site. The following paper presents innovative use of glass elements to reflect this integrative design process in order to support the architectural intention as well as clients requirements, illustrated by current WBP projects with structural use of glass in modern facades.

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