Glass in Architecture

Description

Glass in Architecture provides the first ever comprehensive technical and historical overview of the art and science of glass, demonstrating its importance in the past and its use in practice today.

From the soaring cathedrals of medieval Europe to the technical mastery of the Parisian grands projets, glass has made a special contribution to architectural design. The central section of the book presents 20 international case studies of contemporary glass architecture, showing its applications in a variety of situations, large and small. The book furthermore explores the potential of glass for the future, as new materials crystallize from the abstract world of technical research into realization.

A detailed appendix also provides a full overview of the science of glass, making this an essential manual for architects and constructors worldwide.

Michael Wigginton is Professor of Architecture at the University of Plymouth and an architect in private practice. He is an expert in the field of glass technology and has been responsible for some of the pioneering glass buildings of the last decade.

‘Immensely rewarding. The most important book on the subject.’ (Arq)

‘The unprecedented evolution in glass technology and the explosion of its imaginative use in design are captured in this wonderful professional reference. Comprehensive in scope, the book traces the historical roots of recent developments and provides a wonderfully complete technical summary of how glass works as a visual and environmental filter. Technical references should all aspire to this level of graphic quality.’ (Jury of the American Institute of Architects)