For proof that the future is now, look no further than photovoltaic glass. This cutting-edge technology essentially transforms glass into solar panels that convert light into electricity. Lest there be no misunderstanding, the answer is yes. We are talking about windows that generate their own power. It’s clean, green, and very cool. Photovoltaic glass incorporates transparent semiconductor-based photovoltaic—or solar—cells by … Read More
The Rise of Glass Giants: 20 Different types of glass in a new Seoul
It looks like a simple monolithic tower but the newest, sleekest, addition to the Seoul skyline is actually an exceptional feat of engineering, comprised of 20 different types of glass. The Lotte Tower, a creation of American architectural firm, Kohn, Pederson, Fox (KPF), rises 1821 feet into the clouds—123 stories—making it the tallest building in South Korea and 5th tallest … Read More
Expanding Role of Glass in Construction
The science of glass continues to expand by leaps and bounds, creating the foundation for a unique, new architectural dimension that is revolutionizing construction and building design. More and more daring buildings, featuring soaring glass facades, arching canopies, delicate footbridges, and other load bearing glass elements, have onlookers shaking their heads in amazement, wondering if glass wall construction is really … Read More
Looking Through the Glass
We created windows and wealthy Pompeiians showed off their glass window panes as a symbol of their affluence. We developed the process of staining glass and what began as adornment for church windows evolved into a contemporary artform. A thousand years later, sustainable and eco-friendly glass tiles and mosaics add sparkle and distinction to even the most institutional spaces. Artistic … Read More
Making a Good First Impression: The Reception Area
As grossly unfair as it may seem, your clientele will summarily judge your company’s success, as well as the competency, relevance and character of your workforce based on their visceral reaction to your anterooms. Whether you are operating a dentist’s office, heading up a fashion empire, or selling widgets, your reception design has the daunting task of luring clientele into … Read More
The Power of Graphic Design
For centuries, graphic design and architecture have been creatively linked, each contributing to clarifying and communicating a building’s message. Architecture seeks to inspire with shape and form and purpose. With typography and images, graphic design supports and echoes that story, becoming the visual representation of the built environment. Graphic design also plays a key role in presenting architectural concepts for … Read More
Whispering Architecture – The Acoustic of The Space
Our 21st century understanding of architectural acoustics is a bit more sophisticated, making the premise of Vitruvius’ work more relevant than ever. In today’s architectural environment, smart acoustical design is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. The aural aesthetics of any given space are equally as critical to its function as its visual influences. In an office setting, how we … Read More
3D Buildings: The Homes of the Future?
It’s been around since the 1980s, creating everything from car parts, to fashion accessories, to artificial human organs for transplant patients. In the construction industry, 3D modeling has become a popular fixture, affording both clients and design teams the opportunity to visualize a project on a smaller scale, avoiding miscommunication and errors down the road. So, the question: Is 3D … Read More
Open Plan Offices: The Next Step
The goal: Organizational health. The key: A workspace that promotes and supports the mental, physical and social health of the workforce. It’s as simple—and complex—as that. Faced with the task of creating environments that foster optimal achievement, today’s office designers are forced to think outside the cubicle and adapt to a new, more organic office culture. Pursuant to our deeper … Read More
The Emergence of the Open Concept Workspace
With the proverbial swing of the pendulum, 21st century office design did away with barriers considered a hindrance to the contemporary business model. Coming full circle, today’s office-scapes once again reflect Wright’s original open office concept, maximizing the use of large open spaces, and facilitating communal spirit, while taking advantage of natural light. That’s the good news. Consult a design … Read More