contemporary techniques in architectural glass - International ...

International
Context
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Sando and Taylor visited the college and gave a short presentation before meeting the
students and discussing the courses. Traditional as well as innovative techniques are taught.
Students’ Work Swansea College
Alexander Beleschenko studio visit
Alexander is a major force in the architectural glass movement. He is based in Swansea
near the Architectural Glass centre where he completed his studies. Although, due to the
immensity of their scale, his work is often fabricated in one of the large studios in Germany,
his approach is very hands on. Rather than just presenting a design to be interpreted he
first develops the techniques to realize his vision. Maintaining and exploiting the intrinsic
qualities of glass is an integral part of his work. He likes to reveal the cut edge with its tiny
chips that sparkle in the light. He then gouges, engraves, etches, paints and manipulates
the glass into an architectural artwork.His style is not predictable and he approaches each
commission with fresh ideas and energy, coming up with a unique and innovative solution
for each new environment.
His approach and attention to detail is inspirational. His philosophy is to think outside the
square and widen the technical horizons, rather than producing more of the same. He is true
to his ideals and will only accept a commission if he believes he can do it justice. He has
gained the respect of leading architects and his work appears in public buildings in many
countries.
His work is sourced from three main avenues; competitions where artists are invited to submit
proposals, architects who are familiar with his work and developers who are obliged to
include artwork in new buildings.
Alex was interviewed in his studio and his installations visited at the following locations.