Glass architecture in the 21st century: inspiring design meets innovative functionality

Glass plays a crucial role in modern architecture offering innumerable options for design, functionality and sustainability. In the run-up to glasstec we take a look at the transformative role glass plays in international architecture.

When the Chamber of Architects of the German federal states extend an invitation to the National Day of Architecture 2024 on 29 and 30 October, interested parties will have the opportunity to experience the latest trends and developments in architecture up close. On these days architects and planners will present not only a showcase for creative and innovative construction projects but also a mirror image of current trends in architecture. A central element in focus here time and again is glass.

International architectural projects impressively show just how versatile and innovative the use of glass can be. Breath-taking designs combined with innovative functionalities – glass has long become established as a key component in modern buildings. It is the high-tech material that shapes and transforms modern architecture.

The creative options offered by glass in architecture are virtually unlimited, ranging from clear minimalist lines to elaborate artistic structures. Glass allows designers to create light-flooded interiors that appear both inviting and spaciously airy. Interiors and outdoor spaces can be linked seamlessly and impressive visual effects can be produced.

An outstanding example of the creative use of glass is the “Elbphilharmonie” in Hamburg. Designed by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the curved glass facade of the building reflects the waves of the Elbe river thereby producing an impressive interplay of light and reflections. This facade is composed of individually shaped glass elements that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing since they combine noise protection with thermal insulation.

Another impressive example is the Apple Park Headquarters in Cupertino, California. This building uses huge curved-glass walls to create an open-plan and transparent working environment. The glass facades of the building afford staff great vistas of the surrounding landscape allowing them to connect with nature and boost wellbeing and productivity. Foster + Partners’ design illustrates how glass can contribute to designing inspiring and creative workspaces.

Residential buildings also benefit from the versatile design options offered by glass. The One Central Park in Sydney, designed by Jean Nouvel in cooperation with botanist Patrick Blanc, combines vertical gardens with glazed facades to realise a green oasis in the heart of the city. The glass facades allow plenty of daylight to stream into the interiors while the greenery helps to cool and clean the air. This project shows how glass and nature can interact harmoniously to create sustainable and liveable urban spaces.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi deploys glass to produce a special effect: the impressive glass dome of the museum filters sunlight through its geometric pattern thereby creating a “light-rain” effect that immerses visitors in a fascinating interplay of light and shade. This innovative use of the material demonstrates that architectural design can not only be functional but also artistically inspiring.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal glass also boasts surprising versatility and functionality. Modern glass technologies mean glass can be used in a multitude of applications – from structural components to energy-efficient solutions. Architecture in the 21st century is therefore characterised by pioneering developments that make buildings more efficient, comfortable and sustainable.

• Smart glass
  Smart or switchable glass makes it possible to alter the transparency of glass surfaces to regulate their light transmission. This property not only improves energy efficiency in buildings by reducing the need for air-conditioning and artificial lighting but also promotes users’ wellbeing by controlling lighting conditions. Switchable glass works in various ways – electrochromic glass is controlled by electric voltage while thermochromic glass responds to temperature changes. One of the more recent developments in this segment is liquid-crystal glass which reacts to electric current by switching from opaque to transparent, making it suited for versatile applications in offices, conference facilities and residential buildings.
  
  
• Photovoltaic glass
  Photovoltaic glass integrates solar technology right into the glass structure thereby allowing sunlight to be converted into electric energy – thereby serving a dual function as both a construction material and source of renewable energy. Photovoltaic glass can be used in facades, roofs and even windows to generate energy while letting light into the building. This helps cut energy consumption and CO2 emissions and promotes sustainable construction. The advances made in the transparency of photovoltaic glass have led to a growing number of architectural applications without impairing the aesthetics.
  
  
• Self-cleaning glass
  Self-cleaning glass uses special hydrophile and photocatalytic coatings to repel soil and dust. Hydrophile coatings ensure water is distributed uniformly across the glass surface and washes the dirt off instead of forming droplets. Photocatalytic coatings use ultraviolet light to decompose organic impurities which can then simply be washed off by rain. This innovation not only reduces maintenance and the associated costs, but also contributes to the longevity and transparency of glass facades. Self-cleaning glass is particularly favourable for areas that are difficult to access and high-rise buildings where regular cleaning is difficult and expensive.
  
  
• High-performance insulating glass
  High-performance insulating glass is composed of several layers of glass separated by special coatings and gas fillings such as argon or crypton. This structure minimises heat transfer and improves the energy efficiency of buildings considerably. IGUs help reduce heat losses in winter and overheating in summer with a view to lowering energy consumption for heating and cooling. In addition, special low-emissivity coatings (low-E) can be used to reduce heat dissipation even further without impairing light transmission. High-performance insulating glass therefore not only makes a major contribution to the comfort but also the sustainability of modern buildings.
  
  
• Glass as a structural element
  The progress made in material research and manufacturing technologies have made it possible to use glass in structural applications that used to be unthinkable before. Modern technologies for laminated sheet glass comprising several glass layers and a high-strength intermediate layer, make glass robust enough for structural components. This has resulted in the development of impressive glass towers, staircases, bridges and even structural walls. The ability to create large, uninterrupted glass surfaces opens up new opportunities for light-flooded, open and transparent interiors that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The majority of technical innovations are geared to improving the sustainability and climate-friendliness of modern architecture. At the end of its life cycle, the raw material glass has the advantage of being fully recyclable, thereby helping to achieve circular economy goals in the construction industry. Technological developments in the recycling of speciality glass have made considerable progress in recent years to improve recycling and sustainability: this includes advanced sorting technologies, chemical and mechanical recycling processes that break the product down into its individual parts and the removal of coatings. Advanced melting technologies enable the processing of glass with different chemical compositions.

glasstec 2024, the international No.1 trade fair for the glass industry, provides architects and planners with an international platform to experience the latest technologies and innovations revolving around glass in architecture hands on. Exchange ideas, make valuable contacts and be inspired!

At the architecture forum renowned international architects’ offices will present their projects on the focal topics “Current Trends and Challenges in Architecture with Glass”. The Forum is organised by glasstec in cooperation with DETAIL trade magazine and Prof. Dr. Ing. Jutta Albus.

Save the Date: 22-25 October 2024, Messe Düsseldorf