STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

Clearly, the design/bid/build method is inappropriate for any design involving innovative
materials or building technology; the designer is left without access to critical input from
material suppliers, fabricators and specialty subcontractors, maximizing the risk of problems
with the design in the execution phase. Either of the other two methods provide for this input.
The design/build method is optimum if a suitable service provider with the necessary
expertise in the required technology can be identified and contracted early in the process. If
circumstances prohibit, the design/assist method provides a workable alternative, providing
for assistance to the architect in the completion of a performance-based bid package that
can then be used to solicit competitive design/build bids. Most specialty design/builders are
willing to participate on this basis. In many cases, depending on the degree of design
difficulty, and with the support of appropriate design tools, guidelines and resources, the
designer may be able to assembly a design/build bid package as described below without
any outside assistance.
3.3.1 Scope of Work
The strategy for implementing structural glass façade technology must include the following
design methodology, whether provided solely by the architect or with the assistance of a
specialist:
3.3.1.1 Select glass type
When very large grid dimensions and glass panel sizes are desired, maximum dimensions
may be limited by the glass type. In point-fixed applications for example, the glass is
commonly heat-treated, and the maximum panel sizes will be a function of the fabricator’s
tempering oven. The glass type will also ultimately determine the thermal performance of the
façade, some type of insulated glass commonly being used in conditions where thermal
performance is a priority consideration. Glass options are discussed in chapters 2 and 6.
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