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3 Examples of Architectural Design That Make Good Use of Glass Often overlooked and underappreciated, glass is a defining substance of our modern world. When most people think of glass today, they picture a transparent material that simply lets light into a space. Although this technically isn’t wrong, glass also has so much more to…

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3 Examples of Architectural Design That Make Good Use of Glass

Louvre Museum, Paris

Often overlooked and underappreciated, glass is a defining substance of our modern world. When most people think of glass today, they picture a transparent material that simply lets light into a space. Although this technically isn’t wrong, glass also has so much more to offer than its basic functionality. Some early uses of glass date back to the third millennium B.C., where artisans in Mesopotamia discovered how to glaze jewellery and small objects with coloured glass. Once in Egypt, the glass industry multiplied, partly due to the excess of raw materials that were readily available to make glass. With such a rich and diverse history surrounding this versatile substance, we want to give the use of glass the credit it truly deserves. Inspire your creativity and read on for our top 3 examples of architectural design that make good use of glass.

While we, Osborn Glass, had no part in the creation of these three architectural masterpieces, we can bask in the brilliance of their complexity and design.

Crystal Houses, Amsterdam

The Crystal Houses Amsterdam boasts a fully transparent glass exterior that beautifully complements the high-end luxury of the Chanel store while upkeeping traditional Dutch heritage. The extensive use of glass replicates the design of the original buildings, down to even the most intricate details. The use of glass bricks, glass window frames and glass architraves are a unique yet brilliant way to merge modern, innovative architectural designs with the history and culture of Amsterdam.

The National Centre for the Performing Arts, China

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), or the Egg as its more colloquially known, is a massive dome of titanium and glass located in Beijing. Although it faced some opposition during its manufacture, the Egg creates a strikingly modern, almost futuristic architectural design that highlights the capital as a city of innovation and importance.

The Louvre Pyramid, Paris

The Louvre Pyramid acts as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum and comprises a beautiful, contemporary blend of glass and metal. Surrounded by three smaller pyramids, the unique design serves as an iconic landmark for the city of Paris. In keeping with the elegance of the palace itself, the monument has even become a tourist attraction in its own right.

Here at Osborn Glass, our team have a wealth of experience in a wide range of glass projects, from glass processing and decoration to installation and graphic design. While we may not be able to construct a mini Louvre on your premises, we’re sure can cater for your glass-bound needs whether they be shopfronts or glass shelves. For any more information about any of our services, get in touch with us today.

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