Using Formed Glass in Architecture

Modern glass processing technology increasingly enables curved glass and other more unusual forms of glass to be used in buildings. The use of such glass has to meet evolving standards of safety, durability and environmental performance with the high standards of visual and optical quality increasingly demanded by global clients. Pushing the boundaries of collective experience with formed glass brings designers and manufacturers into areas where there are new technical uncertainties and previously un-known problems to be surmounted. There are significant architectural benefits to be gained but successfully built projects require careful development of the design, specification and manufacturing process through a program of testing and evaluation.
The following short case studies illustrate applications of different types of formed glass and discuss some of the technical issues confronted in each case.

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The Authors

Mr. Graham Dodd Associate Director Arup Materials Consulting Trained in manufacturing industry and qualified as a Mechanical Engineer, Dodd has worked in the design of glass structures and facades since 1988; initially with Pilkington Glass and since 1994 with ... Read more