contemporary techniques in architectural glass - International ...

International
Context
16
Barcelona Hospital
Large mirrored piece above entrance with design based on the heartbeat
Jose Fernandez Castrillo is passionate about every detail of his projects from concept
to completion. He combines traditional skills with new technology to produce beautiful
contemporary architectural glass.
Summary of his Techniques:
• Manipulating light to create effects.
• Use of bright ( highly polished ) etched glass as background. Resin cleans off easier.
• Minimalist use of colour. Using and exploiting the inherent qualities of glass.
• Use of basic machinery e.g. belt linisher, glass lathe, diamond saw, sand blaster
• Emphasis on grinding, polishing, chipping, etching
Key Issues
Use of traditional skills with new techniques to produce contemporary glass installations.
Incorporating contemporary glass into historic architecture. Having uncompromising vision
i.e. finding solutions to extend boundaries.
Another window of interest in Barcelona was designed by architect and glass artist Antonio
Sainz-Keshava. It is a 22 x 25 metre area of glass which forms part of the facade of the
Casa Madrid office building. The work is called The Awakening Planet and incorporates
sandblasting with laminated coloured glass. Within the building atrium and directly in front
of this window is a three dimensional, suspended sculpture, The Permanent Eclipse. It is
computer programmed to follow the movement of the sun and cast a shadow on the
reception desk, shielding it from the intense light of the window. It is thus a functional as
well as aesthetic public art work.