The paper analyzes the theme of the light and transparent architectural envelope; it is frequent the attempt to transform materials, traditionally opaque, in transparent materials: it is interesting the attempt of creating transparent or translucent concrete and bricks. The translucent glass blocks are not a novelty, however: they appear for the first time in 1600. The paper describes the evolution of glass blocks in the history of engineering and architecture since XVII century to this day; it analyzes, at various times, the ways of installation, the physical properties and the thermal and acoustic insulation properties. It also describes some important buildings, realized in the last three centuries, that have used these materials, and that are critical in the evolution of the concept of architectural envelope.
L’utilizzo del vetromattone nell’involucro architettonico dall’800 ai giorni nostri, use of the glass block in the architectonic envelope from 1800 to our times
PITTALUGA, MARCO
2007-01-01
Abstract
The paper analyzes the theme of the light and transparent architectural envelope; it is frequent the attempt to transform materials, traditionally opaque, in transparent materials: it is interesting the attempt of creating transparent or translucent concrete and bricks. The translucent glass blocks are not a novelty, however: they appear for the first time in 1600. The paper describes the evolution of glass blocks in the history of engineering and architecture since XVII century to this day; it analyzes, at various times, the ways of installation, the physical properties and the thermal and acoustic insulation properties. It also describes some important buildings, realized in the last three centuries, that have used these materials, and that are critical in the evolution of the concept of architectural envelope.
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