STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

Chapter 3 - Building Products, Processes,
Methods, and Delivery Strategies
This section examines what is involved in the realization of structural glass facades, and
explores a paradigm for future project implementation that could potentially accelerate the
diffusion of the technology into the building arts. As emergent technology, a large
percentage of the designs are highly customized, rarely duplicating prior art, often modifying
what has come before, and not infrequently, unique, having never been done before. The
design innovators and early adopters employing this technology are usually pursuing some
level of innovation, driving the design into layers of complexity. The engineering, materials,
fabrication and installation are all impacted by the complexity of the design in a manner that
typically removes them from conventional practice, placing extraordinary demands on all
constituents of the project implementation. The challenge becomes how to implement
innovation in a manner that mitigates the risk and uncertainty that can accompany such a
pursuit.
These innovators often go off to the next challenge, the next highly custom design and
attempt to push the boundaries of the technology once again. The innovators are few, little
more than a handful of architecture, engineering and façade design firms. They leave behind
them inspiring completed works that are often imitated, 7 each imitation contributing to the
maturation of the technology. The early adopters are the first tier imitators. They identify a
7 Imitation is a positive and vital act, even a creative act, necessary for the diffusion of
innovation into a culture, with the good imitator adding his own bit to the collective evolution
of the innovation. The term as used here is in no way meant to be derogatory, but quite the
opposite.
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