Glass architecture has been around for hundreds of years, and has been used primarily for certain interior and exterior applications in commercial buildings. The use of glass has evolved tremendously even within the last decade or so to the point where it’s no longer surprising to see a structural glass facade on a building. Based on recent trends, structural glass engineering will continue to evolve and have significant impacts on all areas of life and business.
Industries Using Glass Architecture
Some of the first uses of glass included cathedrals and churches. Now you see glass used in the sports industry, hospitality, retail and even public sector developments. While a glass facade still serves a functional purpose to let natural light into a building, it’s no longer the sole purpose. Glass is now being used to make a statement for many different industries and businesses.
Technology Has Improved The Role of Glass
Technological advances have allowed structural glass engineering experts to use glass in more ways than ever before. Whether it’s energy efficiency or providing a higher comfort level for occupants inside a particular building, glass serves a similar purpose as many other architectural components today. A building envelope can be greatly improved with the use of glass by providing a high level of structural integrity, energy-efficient properties and more.
Can Glass Respond To The Environment Around You?
As far as the future of structural glass engineering goes, technology is expected to evolve and expand the use of glass even more. Regulating the inside of both residential and office buildings could become much easier in the future with coatings applied to glass that responds to environmental conditions. For example, solar heat gain transmissions would be changed throughout the day depending on where the direct sunlight was hitting the building and other external weather conditions.
Also, the lightening and darkening of a glass facade depending on the amount of sunlight can increase the comfort level of occupants inside a building. This type of technology has been around for many years, but the properties of the glass have advanced to the point where it’s being used on much larger scales.
BE Structural is always on top of the latest trends and technologies when it comes to structural glass engineering. Glass plays an important role in the environment and many aspects of life today, and its role will only continue to increase in importance. Be sure to contact us to learn more about the impact of glass architecture for the future and how we can incorporate it into your home or business.