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STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

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Chapter 5 - Thesis Intent<br />

The first section <strong>of</strong> this chapter is used to summarize the research <strong>of</strong> the preceding four<br />

chapters, and to reiterate and summarize relevant conclusions. The second section defines<br />

the work to be completed in the upcoming chapters.<br />

5.1 Research Summary and Conclusions<br />

5.1.1 Structural glass facades represent a unique building<br />

technology.<br />

This represents the fundamental hypothesis herein. Chapters 1 and 2 define the technology,<br />

establish its lineage, and explore the various ways this technology is differentiated from<br />

related building technology. In the process a common nomenclature is presented. In<br />

following chapters the technology and various components <strong>of</strong> the technology will be<br />

categorized and further described through comparative analysis.<br />

5.1.2 Structural glass facades can be best categorized by the<br />

structural systems used as support.<br />

A review <strong>of</strong> structural glass facades completed to date reveals that the most distinguishing<br />

characteristic in virtually every case is the structure. It is the structural systems used in the<br />

facades that most differentiates them from related building technology. This hypothesis will<br />

be developed in Chapter 6 with a categorization <strong>of</strong> structure types.<br />

5.1.3 Barriers Exist<br />

Clearly, the design/bid/build method is inappropriate for any design involving innovative<br />

materials or building technology<br />

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