If you are an architect and you’re reading this then I probably don’t have to tell you, but glass is an amazing material to work with. And right now with more and more construction projects seeking and earning LEED certification, considering glass can help earn help points in a number of categories, that makes it an even more attractive material to use. Aside from its energy-performance features, glass also has a sleek appearance that can create a shear, transparent structure; it’s got a look like no other building material. But like I said, you probably already know all of this.
However, if you’re out there reading this and what I’m writing is all brand new to you, don’t worry; we’re here to help. I have been writing about glass for the past nine years and I still remember reading through all the new product press releases that I was writing up for USGlass magazine. Back then terms such as “curtainwall, “low-E” and “structural silicone” left me thinking, “what is all this?” It did not happen over night, but eventually I learned a thing or two about architectural glass and glazing. I’m still not a technical glass wiz, and that’s why I’m still learning as much as I can.
Luckily, there are a lot of great resources out there. Industry associations such as the Glass Association of North America, the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Association and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association all offer a variety of materials on industry standards, codes, product performance and much more. These materials may be just what you need to give your glass education a boost.
And by the way, while I may have started out focusing on the glass industry when I was writing for USGlass, I’ve now shifted my focus to the architectural side of things. I’ve recently taken on the Architects’ Guide to Glass and am looking forward to getting to know this aspect of the business. My predecessor, Charles Cumpston, is one of the most well-known and well-respected editors in the glass industry, so I know I’m going to have some big shoes to fill in this new role. Charles did a great job with the Architects’ Guide and I am looking forward to continuing along the path he started with it.
To get things started, I really want to hear from you, our readers. What are some things you want to know about glass? What type of news, information and articles would you like to see? And if you’ve been involved with a significant glazing project I want to hear about it. Send me an email or post your comments and let me know how we can help bring you the information you need about glass.
