STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

In a common development pattern, seminal projects such as the Hahn suspended fin-glass
system or the cable net wall at the Kempinski Hotel spawn imitations; imitations in the most
positive sense, each building on the prior work, and each contributing to the maturation of
the technology in various ways.
A novel design or use of material in one instance, becomes commonplace after repeated
use over time. The basic morphologies, materials and processes that comprise the
technology are well tested and of known performance validated from use.
Concurrently, a proliferation of highly visible structural glass facades in the built environment
has resulted in the dissipation of perceived risk among the building community and the
public, and an increasing acceptance of the innovative technology. As a result, interest in
utilizing structural glass façade technology is increasing among architects and their ownerdeveloper
clients. The next tier of adopters is primed. Structural glass façade technology is
poised for significant potential growth, but barriers remain.
1.4.2 Conventional Technology under Pressure
The architectural glazing market is under pressure. Pressure brings change.
The demands on building systems have increased in many respects over the past several
decades. Nowhere are these demands greater than with the building skin. Architects are
demanding more design control and more diverse aesthetic possibilities out of the available
cladding options. At the same time, as energy costs rise and rapid climate change emerges
as a looming threat, developers, architects, and increasingly, government and regulatory
agencies are mandating improved thermal performance in building facades.
Little has changed in the fundamentals of curtain wall and storefront system design since
their post-war development in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Some performance attributes relative
48