The Light Filter
Tomas Suarez Jr.
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The Light Filter
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The Light Filter Thesis Project FIU Architecture Program Tomas Suarez Jr.
Falling Anvil Publishing First Printing, 2016 v
Copyright Š 2010 by Tomas Suarez Jr. All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Images may not be used without prior written consent Printed in the United States of America First Printing, 2016 ISBN 978-1-312-68148-4 Falling Anvil Publishing 123 Mesa Street Scottsdale, AZ 00000 www.FallingAnvilBooks.com
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Special thanks go out to all of the wise professors who have helped develop this book through their continued education. The utmost of thanks and appreciation go out to my extremely supportive wife Ghilsy Suarez and family, which through their support, patience, and understanding, I have been able to accomplish this rigorous undertaking of a master’s degree and the creation of this book. Honorable mention goes out to my daughter Yanelle Suarez for her patience and support as we accomplished the rigors of getting through the masters in architecture program at FIU. She was always there to make sure that I was staying on track and her diligence has been an inspiration for me.
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Contents Acknowledgments vii Introduction - Course Description
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Reading & Assignments Quotes Initial Assessment
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Precedent Studies
18 - 23
Preliminary Design Concept - Intent - Considerations
24 - 31
Design Testing
32 - 41
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Patterns
Materials Processes Selection of Materials Material Processing
42 - 43 44 - 45
Assembly of Glass
46 - 47
Assembly of Wood Tri-Laminate
48 - 49
Assembly Frame and Glazing
50 - 53
Support Structure Framing
54 - 55
Technical Drawings
56 - 61
Final Product
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Design Findings
63 - 65
Credits
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Tomas Suarez Jr.
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3728 Prospect Avenue Suite #1 West Palm Beach, Florida 33404 Phone: (561) 586-8888 Fax: (561) 880-8470 E-mail: Francisco@pureshowersinc.com
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I would like to thank my wise professor Mr. Eric Peterson for his dedication to myself and peers in this difficult curriculum. The greatest appreciation goes out to my professional peers at of Pure Showers Inc. Glass and Mirrors of West Palm Beach, Florida who have helped me immensely in the development and understanding in the intricacies of interacting with glass. Special thanks go out to Francisco Bustamante and Carlos Bustamante whose knowledge is unparalleled in the field of glass works. The two were exceptional in the assistance in understanding the capabilities of glass and providing many of the intricate samples that were utilized in the study and presentation. Without their assistance, knowledge, and professionalism, I would not have achieved the success that I have accomplished in this great undertaking. Furthermore, I would once again, like to thank my wife Ghilsy Suarez for her support, patience, and understanding. She has selflessly supported me as I completed my personal endeavors undertaking this great task of a master’s degree and book composition.
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Introduction
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Course Introduction This Thesis Design Studio course centered around three (3) primary activities: Reading, Discussing, and Making. These three primary activities were further broken down to sub-activities: Analysis, Exploration, Identification, Interpretation, Materiality, and Reflection. Upon drawing from the multitude of readings, we were to develop an architectural detail to explore. This detail would be fully deconstructed, studied, analyzed, reinterpreted, and redefined to reflect one’s own perception of the piece of work. This study was to be developed using all things learned during our years in the architectural study program leading to our final semesters’ thesis study. Final project evaluation would then be based on attitude, methodology, and design. These would have further subsets to include additional intentions, ideas, formal resolution, diagram ideas, intention and process, completeness, and craftsmanship and beauty in the work produced; inclusive of the model itself as well as the documented design drawings.
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Reading Assignments
Le Corbusier 14
The reading assignments although at times difficult to read, provided a different perspective from the common reading that has been accomplished through the years of education. The reading assignments focused on a perspective that forced one to consider architecture from a more analytical and intellectually challenging perspective. Subjects ranged from a spiritual sense to the essence of nature and its relevance in architecture, which posed many questions to the mind. In addition to the assigned readings, I was guided to reading additional writings from Le Corbusier, which were extremely enlightening. Within Corbusier’s writings, I found two quotes which lent themselves to the concept and studies that I had chosen to pursue as the thesis to culminate my architectural education. In the writings, Corbusier forms various intricate thoughts which helped to develop my concept, the first stating “The elements of architecture are light, and shade walls and space”. The second quote references architecture from the viewers perspective stating “Man looks at the creation of Architecture with his eyes which are 5 feet 6 inches from the ground”. Both attribute to the final architecturally developed piece.
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Initial Assessment / Considerations
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Clearly Mixed-up Matter The development of this piece; commenced with the primary intent to blend a compilation of natural materials with man-made materials in an effort to create an admirable piece with flow, contrast, and translucency. Consequently, the intent is to use the materials as a barrier, yet to allow for a transparency of the barrier in order to bring together at least two opposing sides of the barrier through the use and selection of the materials. With this in mind, the barrier to the opposing sides perform both as a barrier and a transition between the areas blending them causing a distinct blur as they draw objects through the piece. The culmination of the study will be that the selection, placement, and use of materials can create a utilitarian object for not only a barrier of sort, but also as a blender of areas. In the end, it is the selection of materials and architectural forms that cause the piece to draw the attention of the viewer to interact with the piece while being drawn to the opposing side. 17
Precedent Studies: Chapel of St. Ignatius
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Chapel of St. Ignatius This chapel was designed by Stephen Holl in the city of Seattle, WA. The project proudly displays the use of glass to filter light through the windows which are concealed by large walls. These walls are found to be a few feet from the window and painted with a very bright colored paint facing the window. When the light filters through the window, it results in a reflection of the light illuminating the area with the colored glow as painted on the surface of the wall. This project has some inspiration for me as it provided a fresh way to treat the filtered light , but it utilized a medium to accomplish the result. My intent was to utilize the glass to create the filtration of the lighting.
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Precedent Studies: Cranbrook Institute of Science
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Cranbrook Institute of Science This public museum addition was designed by Stephen Holl in the city of Bloomfield Hills, MI. The project proudly displays the use of glass to filter light through the windows which are primarily found on the entry tower for the building. These windows are found to be a compilation of glass types which affect the way light transmits through them. When the light filters through the window, it results in a dispersion of light and shadows as they are cast upon the interior walls. This project has some inspiration for me as it provided little influence in my project as it was a last minute reference that was provided for me at the later portion of my design process. This turned out to be invaluable as it reinforced all that I had accomplished. My intent was to utilize the glass to create the filtration of the lighting and Holl had already completed a similar study. 21
Precedent Studies: Notre Dame du Haut - Ronchamp
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Notre Dame du Haut - Ronchamp The his chapel was designed by Le Corbusier in the city of Ronchamp, France. The project proudly displays the use of glass to filter through the windows which are concealed by large wells. These wells are found to be a few feet deep from the window and painted with a white colored paint to reflect the light as effortlessly. When the light filters through the window, it results in a reflection of the light illuminating the area with the colored glow as painted on the surface of the wall. This project has some inspiration for me as it provided a fresh way to treat the filtered light, but it utilized a colored medium to accomplish the final result. Again the intent is to utilize the glass to create the filtration of the lighting.
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Design Concept & Considerations
Initial Concept Sketches
Developmental Concept Sketches 24
The initial concept for the piece was to be a multi-layered bench which would draw the user from the upper/ seat side of the bench through to the ground beneath. This would occur as the user sat and visually found the curiosity in the ground beneath, as it crept through the slots and transparent materials in the seat. This blending through the apparent solid and supporting material would suffice the intent yet was too simple and would not lend itself to an in-depth study for a thesis project. The development continued through the professor Erickson’s guidance and inspiration. This led to an elongated bench which introduced a curvilinear leg system which would incorporate a secondary structural system into the design. The study would be used to assess the strength in the composition of the various materials and how they worked as one while also accomplishing the initial task of blending the opposing sides. Once again, the piece was too simple for a thesis study and the inspirations and work continued into the development of a piece that would incorporate the desired intentions while providing a good product with which to develop a significant study and analysis.
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Design Concept & Considerations
Developmental Concept Sketches
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The processes of thought began to developed from the bench style project to a standing piece. This would allow the incorporation of the intent while providing a broader and more versatile ability to create an in-depth study of blending abilities within the transparencies. The form began to take the likened shape of a door with a variety of materials which could be used in the completion of a more formalized and proper study. The intent now took on a secondary purpose. What could the purpose of the piece be once completed? The study developed further and the materials became blended to a spiritual form to provide possible entry door with a specific concept beyond the study. This piece incorporating wood found specifically in Israel, wood forms, that resembled a partial cross and glazing that would be studied for the ability to filter light in various intensities. To test the intensities, the glazing would be treated with a frosting element to ensure that each type of glazing material would have both a clear and a frosted element for comparison. This rule/ requirement led to the need for a design element that would have not only an architectural element but one that would fit in with the concept of the project. The frosting element took the shape of sun rays and fortified a spiritual nature in the piece. The piece became overwhelmingly resemblant in a spiritual nature and the idea was forced to develop beyond the door configuration.
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Design Concept & Considerations
Developmental Concept Rendering with Initial Support Elements 28
The intent for the study did not differ too much in the resulting change, thus the door element was converted to a wall system which could be used both as a study and have a purpose upon its completion. The system developed incorporating all of the requirements and allowing for a full study in the ability of glass to filter light through a glass medium and noting the effects. Refinement of the process was challenged by an additional rule that all studies had to be completed by affecting clear glass or a slight variant of such. This intentionally ruled out the use of stained glass which has had a multitude of studies completed as well as the intent of deviating from developing a piece that could be interpreted as having a spiritually focused nature. Furthermore, stained glass does have strong spiritual representations due to the extensive use in historical churches and cathedrals. The process incorporated a secondary attempt at blending in a support system that would blend in various studies of light transmittance through the support system intended to hold up the wall system during the final presentation. This did not go well into the piece as it was beginning to incorporate too many elements for the single study. The base elements were designed out of the system and it was left to stand on its own accord as a wall system should.
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Design Concept & Considerations
Developmental Concept Finalized with Glazing Layering and Frosting 30
In the same manner, the piece had one last requirement. The piece would have to incorporate a form of architecture. This developed through art in the essence that is composed of not only a variation of glass finishes, but various levels as well as materials that begin to create flow as well as intrigue as they function as a test piece for the study in the filtration of light through the glass mediums. The selected materials also work together being that both are derived from nature and through the molding through the hands of man have become precious refinements of the natural materials. Both materials, present both a rough and a smooth finish texture expressing beauty and nature in the rough. Texture that not only draws not only a visual curiosity but also a tactile experience as well. The layered elements in the piece create a secondary visual element as the glass pieces and frosted etching design create an element of motion. This is created as viewers pass by the piece and the various glass textures mix and blend through the layers causing further curiosity in the piece.
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Design Testing Patterns
Development of patterns to test filtration of light passing through glazing 32
Upon arriving at the final decision to develop the wall system, it was evident that a logical pattern with which to test the filtration of light was needed. The process began to test various designs in placing and layering the elements in the piece. The resulting test produced the adjacent patterns, none of which drew a keen interest from viewers. To test these, various personnel where given copies of the samples with the furthest to the right drawing the most interest. 33
Design Testing Patterns
Final Concept Glazing layering 34
Final Established flow Pattern
As mentioned previously, the layered elements in the piece create a secondary visual element as the glass pieces and frosted etching design create an element of motion. This is created as viewers pass by the piece and the various glass textures mix and blend through the layers causing further curiosity in the piece. The piece on the opposing page, left side shows the proposed frost pattern within the assembled pieces of glass. The image on the right has additional curved lines to indicate the visual affect that is established in the payout pattern of the glass. Additionally, the interior structure cedar elements create an additional pattern that also leads the eyes to follow a pattern. The star-burst draw your eyes to the center and radially outward also as the eyes try to follow the frost patterns on the glazing. Overall the piece is coupled with four different elements that create a subconscious movement within the piece adding an additional architectural essence to the wholeness of the wall element.
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Material Testing Processes
Glass adhesion/ bonding testing 36
Now that a worthy solution existed for testing the light filtration through the glass, I had to deal with the process of bonding two separate sheets of glass. This would serve two purposes; first, it would ensure that all of the primary glass pieces were the same thickness. Furthermore, the thickened edge would allow for the vertical stacking of the glass without the concern of the glass sliding off of one another when standing in a vertical posture. Various methods and bonding adhesive types were tested each adhesive having its own pros and cons for the job. The key element in the adhesives was that they be completely clear upon curing. The following adhesives were tested as having been recommended as the best products on the market for bonding glass in a non commercial use. Zap CA+ (a Canyo Acrylate adhesive) Krylon Spray Adhesive Single Application Krylon Spray Adhesive Double application Silmar 40 Clear Epoxy Bonding Agent w/ & w/o Clamping Gorilla Glue Gorilla Glue per Manufacturer Recommendations (Using Water)
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38 Glass adhesion/ bonding testing
Gorilla Glue Water Applied per Mfr.
Gorilla Glue No water Used
Silmar 40 Clear Epoxy Clamp sealed
Silmar 40 Clear Epoxy Hand sealed
Krylon Spray Adhesive Double application
Krylon Spray Adhesive Single application
Zap CA+ (a Canyo Acrylate)
Material Testing Processes
Results of the testing varied in clarity, adhesion times, and imperfections within the tested sheets of glass. Zap CA+ (a Canyo Acrylate adhesive) - Sealed well leaving a clear image across the glass; the vapors did create a fog on the surface of the glass which was easily removed. Krylon Spray Adhesive Single Application - Sealed well leaving a foggy or frosted appearance Krylon Spray Adhesive Double application - Sealed better than the single layer leaving a more opaque appearance than the single layer Silmar 40 Clear Epoxy Bonding Agent w/o Clamping - Sealed well and left a clear appearance, air bubbles were present due to the mixing process and attempts to squeeze the air out failed manually before it cured Silmar 40 Clear Epoxy Bonding Agent w/ Clamping - Sealed well and left a clear appearance, air bubbles were present due to the mixing process and squeezing with protective boards and clamps worked well Gorilla Glue No Water - Difficult to seal and left a clear appearance, extended curing due to lack of water and viscosity resulted in cracking the glass while working on it to ensure full spread of the adhesive Gorilla Glue per Manufacturer Recommendations (Using Water) - Difficult to seal and left a clear appearance, quicker curing time and less viscous due to the water, used clamps and boards to ensure full spread of the adhesive. external residue left but could be removed easily Results of testing led to the use of the following: Krylon Spray Adhesive Double Application, this allowed for a dual purpose application, adhesion and also provided the frosted appearance that was applied to other single sheet glass Zap CA+, was used to create the triple layer crackled glass prior to cracking the inner sheet
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Material Testing Processes
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Creating Crackled Glass 40
Completion of the adhesion process allowed for the continuation of the testing and assembly of the glazing processes. One of the primary requirements was to create a “Crackled Glass” that would be transparent while still drawing attention to the eye and causing a curiosity in mans nature as described in one of the readings. The process included adhering three 12”x12”x3/16” sheets of glass. The center sheet required tempering, a process by which the glass is made stronger through a heating application which then also causes the glass to shatter into tiny pieces as opposed to breaking into large slabs or slivers of the sheet glass. Once the glass cured, the unimaginably ultimate test was performed. Cracking the center sheet of tempered glass. As most would imagine nail punches, hammers and glass typically do not mix well into any single solution requiring a positive outcome. Well, we overcame nature! The result as you can see, is a beautifully controlled creation of crackled glass that can be used for many applications.
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Material Selection
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Selection of Glass and Testing of Glass Applications (Paint 13 & 14) 42
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With the testing processes complete, the project went full steam ahead. The study and selection of glass types was an undertaking in itself. Again, with so many options in glass types, I had to refer back to my original rules. Clear glass or what I thought was clear before my study is actually not clear and will darken in hue depending on the thickness of the glass. We will henceforth refer to the glass with a slight coloration as annealed glass which is also not a tempered glass. The specifics will be called out if required, but we are also going to imply that annealed glass actually has a slight tint to it. Typically glass will have a slightly green or blueish hue depending on the quantity of lead used. Selection once again focused on clarity, texture, attractiveness, noncommon appearance, and the ability to draw the viewers attention. The space and selection process ended in the careful selection of thirteen glass styles to include the created crackled glass shown on the previous page. A compromise was made amidst of the study and a smoked clear glass was accepted into the design to show both the transparency as well as test light filtration and to create contrast in the adjacent pieces. A secondary test was performed to see how we could affect glass transparency through the application of paints to create new products for a marketable opportunity.
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Material Processing
Bio-Glass Laminate - Included for sustainability purposes. Made from recycled Coca Cola Bottles
Glass product sheets after selection and cutting to design specifications Cutting and Shaping Glass 44
Cutting Bio-Glass with wet saw
With the selection processes complete, it was not time to refer back to the design intent and decide where each style of glass would best fit into the study and the design intent. Many conditions were studied to include flow, texture, and yes even the grain in the glass. We typically see grain reference in wood, yet at the moment that you apply a texture pr pattern to a glass surface you now have a visible grain in the element. Looking back at the pattern and flow diagram depicted earlier the intent was to commence with the breaking of the glass resembled by the crackled glass in the top right corner of the piece and following the flow as nature would. The next piece was the water speckled glass followed by rain trickled glass and consequentially transitioning to an air bubble embedded glass on the opposite end depicting dryness. This transition culminated in the flow with a cracked texture glass depicting an almost dry desert appearance. The final consideration in the study would also consider sustainability and environmental considerations. The environmental impact from an energy saving standpoint would be through the glass thickness and application mediums i.e. insulated or gas medium vacuum between sheets which are not a part of the interior wall design. Yet, there are some glass byproducts which are manufactured from recycled material such as the noted Bio-Glass in the right side of the opposing image. Although it is very elegant and performs well under compression the glass is extremely brittle and sensitive under vertical loads as seen in the final installation. 45
Assembly of Glass
Bonding Process (failed attempt) This attempt resulted in the lifting of the adhesive when the spray dispersed unevenly. Attempt to remove the glob resulted in the adhesive being removed extensively. Results; clean and start over!!
Preemptive Precaution!! As evidenced on the left sheet of annealed glass, the frosting has already been applied to the backside of the glass and is pending the spray adhesive application to the two opposing facing laminates to be adhered. The preemptive precaution is the possibility of the adhesive drying to a clear form over time and losing the frosted appearance, thus frosting the back side.
Adhesive Bonding and Frosting Process 46
Completion of the glazing selection process initiated the design process and final testing. This testing would be the frosting process for the glass. As mentioned earlier, the frosting would now be partially accomplished through the adhesion process to get all of the glass to be a minimum of 3/8” in thickness. Frosting is typically accomplished through one of three means depending on the desired result. • Acid wash application - easiest to clean smudging - uniform appearance • Sandblasting - less easy to clean smudging due to porous nature less uniform appearance due to distance and pressure of application • Aerosol application - least desired method, more of a hobby application, cleaning can remove sprayed on application after excessive wear and on oily smudges - non-uniform appearance due to distance and quantity of applied aerosol
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Selection and Assembly of Cedar Frame
Lamination in curing stage
Laminating the three ply frame
Drilling for the Corner Dowel Locking Pin Creating Three Ply Frame 48
With all of the glazing in the drying process, I began the work on the wall system frame. The frame was also in the design for some time and had to adhere to the layered concept and natural elements. Steel frame was considered for the project, due to its strength and rigidity. The same rigidity shows through the material and the intent was to have a soft feeling in the project to not detract from the essence of the clear glazing being studied. For this reason cedar was the selected material and the frame would be constructed in three ply assembly to resemble the layers of glazing that were to be overlapped in the project. Lastly, the frame had to be assembled without the use of mechanical assemblies with the final intent to match the frame to the wholeness of the project. This intricate detail of assembly was accomplished through mortise and tenon joints holding the stress of the frame together. The locking pin (a translucent glass dowel) would emulate the piece. Transparent glass surrounded by the cedar frame, as in the corner details of the translucent dowel surrounded by the cedar joint.
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Assembly of Frame and Glazing
Edge Condition of Base Section
Assembled Cedar frame
Assembled Base Structural Support Elements
Frame Assembly and Insertion of Glazing Elements 50
Completion of the of the frame began the process for the installation of the glazing elements. This process was difficult as it included intricate and precise measurements to achieve the desired result while allowing enough space to accept the expected shifting of the glass elements without chipping and cracking under pressure and stress. To achieve this an intentional 1/16” gap was designed into the process between each glass laminate abutment. Furthermore, the assumption that all glass was square to within 1/32”. Lastly, a router was used to router a “V” groove into the center laminate in the frame abeam of where any glass would be coming in contact with the frame. The grove would have an aluminum sheet applied and led lighting tucked into the reflective “V” groove. This addition would allow for the study of light transmittance to be evaluated during daylight hour conditions, but also during night conditions using artificial lighting on the edge of the glass elements.
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Assembly of Frame and Glazing
Drilled Dowel Penetrations Into Side Supports
Long Vertical Support Element Base End Dowel
Drilling Preparation for Dowel into Main Frame
Structural Frame Assembly Doweling for Floating Glass Element Support Structure 52
The final phase of the preparation for complete assembly was the architectural support structure. This six piece structural support system consisted of precisely designed and cut 1/2� wide cedar strips that would weave in and out of the glass voids to hug and support the layered and floating glass elements. Furthermore, these support structures would also appear to float around the framed structure as there were no visible connecting fasteners or hardware. All construction and assembly was still held to a natural state only utilizing the natural elements for support. Thus, additional dowels and grooves were introduced into the design to allow for this. On the opposing images you can see where the precise drilling of the connecting ends are completed. This is where the dowel would penetrate to make the connection is drilled. Note the tape around the drill bit; this is used as a stop in order to not exceed the required depth for the penetrating dowel.
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Frame Support Structure Assembly
Frame in Rib Support Structure
Glass Installation Into Frame and Removed Rib Structure
Adhesive Bonding and Frosting Process 54
With all other aspects complete and the piece ready for the installation of the remaining central pieced of glazing, a support structure had to be designed to support the piece during the assembly as well as the relocation for display. The frame support structure required as much detail as the actual piece. The ribbed frame was selected in the essence of weight. The piece alone was estimated to weigh in at an 80 to 100 pounds and additional weight was not a desirable factor in the design. The ribs were individually designed to support the glass from beneath and had to be precisely cut to accept both the edge frame and the varying depths of the interior glass elements. The upper rib structure was designed to do perform two tasks. It had to address the same edge frame condition and varying glass heights as well as the need to support the cedar lattice ribs that would be supporting the installed glass pieces. On the adjacent images you can see the completed initial rib frame housing the walls frame as well as the disassembled ribs and frame with the initial glass installation taking place.
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Technical Drawings
Elevation Drawings 56
As the construction of the piece continued through the culmination of the project, it relied more heavily on the original design drawings and specifications. The initial drawings that originated from the conceptual phase and developed through the required detailed technical specifications. The drawings were well prepared and entailed extensive thought and analysis to complete. Through the next few sheets partial representations of the various drawings and details that went into the completion of the project will be represented with minimal text in order to establish the validity and usefulness of properly developed design and construction drawings.
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Technical Drawings
Section Drawings 58
Glazing Specification Drawings 59
Technical Drawings
Glazing Support Element Location Call-outs 60
Glazing Support Element Details 61
Final Piece Images
Daylight Image 62
Night Time Image
Final Findings
Through the study of the light filter, I benefited with newfound insight and knowledge into the specifics and details of working with glass and even the intricacies of working with cedar and glass combined. Although completely different materials, the resemblance is similar in some aspects. Glass is unforgiving in its finished state and very dangerous to work with if not trained by professionals. In its raw state, glass can be treated with some of the same processes as the much softer wood that I worked with. Both materials can be cut to specific sizes, sanded, drilled, glued and assembled for specific uses (glass is less forgiving and the residue is much more dangerous, be careful, and don’t try this at home!). The essence and specialty of glass transpires when one looks at it in its uniqueness. It is the only material that is a solid mass that can be seen through and at the same time create a physical barrier. As we have had in the past; eras of the iron age and the bronze age, I would now say that we are in the commencement of the glass age. We now have the benefit of gained technological and better understanding of glass. As architects we may be frowned upon for using excessive glass due to its inferior abilities to resist energy loss maintaining a low efficiency rating, yet it carries great beneficial uses and they are only increasing. Glass can now be manipulated in ways that were thought impossible to achieve. One would say that to create a bendable glass sheet would be impossible, this is now a reality. Corning corporation now produces a specialty glass called Willow glass, this glass has the ability to bend to a +/-3� diameter in a 7� long sheet (numbers based on a presentation estimate as they have not released specific details). Glass can now be poured while a current is applied to the pour resulting in the ability to electronically charge the sheet of glass, this can render the possibilities of furthering these uses endless. Imagine running your electrical circuits through a glass wall. Overall the use of glass is endless and in this study, I have found that based on the finish, application and layering of glass it can be brought to life. The ability to reflect and refract light through glass can bring it to life.
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Final Findings
A simple example as designed into and observed in the studied light filter: If you observe the top right hand corner (as Corbusier would say “at five feet six inches above the ground�) you will observe the layering of the crackle glass behind the vertically waved prism style glass. As you walk by, you can see the image dancing around due to the effect between the two glass images, this brings the glass to life. Creating this effect on a large scale; you can likely apply this as a double skinned building facade or possibly a security corridor in an airport where security must avoid the direct view of opposing traffic along the divided corridor. The possibilities are endless. As for the later portion of the brief study where I toyed with the idea of painting glass on one side, this revealed a smooth and lustrous beautiful finish on the other. The color possibilities are then only limited by the color palette of available paints or paintings. Taking this application one step further, you can use it as kitchen counter back splashes, bathroom shower walls and even children’s bedroom or hospital walls. The benefit to this would be the ability of having a surface that is easy to clean free of germs and bacteria due to its smooth texture. Furthermore, you avoid the grout lines that are typically filled with bacteria or mold resulting oftentimes in respiratory infections or diseases. On a more jovial application, imagine this on the urinal wall in public spaces, what would happen to the bathroom poets, would they have a new clean slate every day? Overall, the possibilities are endless in this new glass age where we are now beginning to understand the endless possibilities that we can achieve through our increased understanding of how glass works. Therefore, I leave you with one last thought to ponder as i have after seeing this in my studies of glass and some have even stated publicly. Is glass really a solid or is it a liquid? You can see through glass therefore it cannot be solid as we typically understand it. Mercury, it is a liquid, no? Mercury is a metal, even according to the periodic table, then why can glass not be a liquid in the same sense? 64
For fun reading you may look to research: amorphous solid or glass Thank you for your interest and the kindest regards
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Credits: Lane, Jim. Images Ronchamp. Accessed May 2016. Web. https://www.google.com/ search?q=Notre+Dame+du+Haut+-+Ronchamp&rlz=1C1CAFA_ Peterson, Eric. “Cover Images Photo�. April 2016. Facebook. Unknown Photographer. Images Chapel of St. Ignatius. Accessed May 2016. Web. https://www.seattleu.edu/ chapel/virtual-tour/around-the-chapel/ Unknown Wordpress Photographer. Images Cranbrook Institute of Science. Accessed May 2016. Web. https:// traverse360.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/cranbrook-institute-of-science-addition-1998/ Software credits: Autodesk AutoCAD for drawings and renderings Adobe Photoshop for Image enhancements Adobe InDesign for Production of Book
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