STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

1.3.6 Practitioners
The following entities comprise the players on the field of structural glass facades.
1.3.6.1 Architects
Design architects are generally responsible for proposing the use of structural glass façade
technology, and to the extent successful in securing their inclusion in the design, responsible
for the conceptual design of the façade.
1.3.6.2 Engineers
An engineer must be involved to provide engineer-of-record services. This is very rarely the
building engineer, most of whom have little or no familiarity with the specialty of structural
glass facades. This service is typically provided either by a specialty consultant, or more
often, by a design/builder.
1.3.6.3 Design Consultants
Specialty consulting firms do exist with expertise in structural glass facades, although their
number is relatively small. Schlaich Bergermann Partners, Werner Sobek Engineering and
Design, and Dewhurst MacFarland and Partners are prominent among them.
1.3.6.4 Design/Builders
Most structural glass facades completed in North America have been completed by
design/builders that specialize in the technology. This practice is relatively uncommon in
Europe. The design/builders pick up where the architect leaves off and provide final design
and detailing under the architect’s direction, in addition to final engineering, fabrication and
installation services as required. Design/builders include Novum Structures, Gartner and
Seele.
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