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Pressed glass block system

Bowling Green State University and the University of Michigan are presenting a system made of pressed glass blocks entitled Light Forms that can be used to generate self-supporting three-dimensional structures with translucency and unique optical effects. 

Light Forms hat die Gestalt eines prismatischen Moduls mit zehn Flächen. Die beiden Hälften werden im Pressgussverfahren hergestellt.
Light Forms has a decahedral design. Created through press casting, two halves are joined together to create one module.
Rendering of Light Forms design in architectural aggregation at night.
Rendering of Light Forms design in architectural aggregation at night. This demonstrates how the design allows not only passive lighting but also natural darkness within interior spaces.
Diagram demonstrating different aggregations of the Light Forms design
Diagram demonstrating different aggregations of the Light Forms design.
Rendering of an architectural design prototype
Rendering of an architectural design prototype of Inhabiting Light, an upcoming architectural installation of Light Forms modules at the University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum.
Light Forms glass units in aggregation
Light Forms glass units in aggregation

Light Forms is a compressive glass block system that coordinates geometry, optics and structure. At the heart of its design is the accentuation of natural light and darkness within built spaces. Designed by Alli Hoag and Catie Newell, Light Forms builds on the success of previous cast glass architectural blocks and expands their potential by bonding two components to create a single glass modular unit.

Prismatic effects

The glass units offer a number of unique opportunities. First, through the process of industrial press forming, mass production on an industrial scale is possible. Secondly, hollow voids created in the pressing process offer unique opportunities for prismatic effects, and controlling light transmission and privacy, in addition to creating an encapsulated air pocket. The necessary glue joint to bond the two halves together becomes an opportunity for deploying colour shifts through dyed adhesive joints.

Formal diversity

The overall form of each modular unit is a decahedron designed in a manner that through the change of orientation tessellates into various patterns. Utilising offset stacking, the patterns can also introduce angles and curvatures across an architectural wall while taking advantage of the compressive strength of glass. 

Light Forms argues for the material systems of our built world to provide a deeper resonance with our surroundings. With this thinking, architecture takes a more explicit role in intentionally providing the occupants with connection to the natural swings of day and night. 

Exhibitor contact

Alli Hoag
Bowling Green State University
www.bgsu.edu

Catie Newell
University of Michigan
www.taubmancollege.umich.edu