In the dynamic field of architectural glass, both historical practices and modern advancements offer vital insights into today’s architectural challenges across projects in all market sectors. From the ancient Egyptian and Roman beginnings of glassmaking to the revolutionary development of float glass in the 1950s, the journey of architectural glass has been marked by constant innovation. In this webcast, we will explore the transition from traditional glass applications to modern technologies such as safety glass, Low-E coatings, and unique applications in hurricane-resistant systems, blast-proofing, and energy-efficient designs. We’ll also consider emerging trends like bird-safe glass, which address ecological impacts.

This session aims to deepen understanding of architectural glass’s properties, applications, and regulatory considerations, ensuring that organizations are well-equipped to make informed decisions in their architectural projects across market sectors, including federal, commercial/industrial, civic, and transit.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Evolution and Properties of Architectural Glass: Participants will learn about the historical development of architectural glass, the basic properties of different types of glass, like annealed and tempered, and the significance of silica in glassmaking. 
2. Explore Modern Glass Technologies and Applications: The session will cover the advancements in glass technology such as Low-E coatings and safety features, including their impact on energy efficiency and safety in building design. 
3. Identify Regulatory and Safety Requirements: Attendees will gain knowledge of the critical building codes and standards affecting the use of architectural glass, including those pertaining to safety glazing, blast resistance, and hurricane protection. 
4. Discover Sustainable Practices and Future Trends in Glass Design: We will explore environmentally responsible choices in architectural glass, focusing on innovations like bird-safe glass and strategies for reducing solar overheating and how these can be integrated into contemporary architecture.