Speaking of Glass

Image From www.37signals.com

Image from www.exinteriordesign.com

Image From www.archplanner.com

I just wanted to add a few images of some of my favorite buildings and interior finishes that highlight the different ways that glass can be used within and outside of a space.  The first image is of the Gherkin building in London, a bullet shaped building in downtown London that cannot be missed and is unique to the area.  Whenever I think about modern architecture I inevetablly picture this building.

The second image is a floating wood stair case secured by structural glass panels.  I really like the openess the glass gives to the space, doing the job typically achieved by 2x4's and sheet rock.  I am also intrigued by the feeling of the treads floating in the space, almost as if by magic.  The look is at once modern, but somewhat etheral in its affect.

The third image I chose for two reasons.  I think it is a great example of what the author of our reading this week was referring to, the ability of glass to let light through, giving volume to a space while creating a physical boundary between the exterior and interior of the space.  I also thought the designers use of glass furniture inside of a glass house was unique.  It allows a seamless stream of light to move seamlessly through the space.  

Image From www.jonathanklunk.com

I have to mention Dale Chihuly in this section on glass.  I absolutely love Chihuly's work.  Each creation is a unique creation of individual hand blown glass pieces, puzzled together to create works such as the sculpture shown above.  If it were not for glass I would not be able to be jazzed by everything that is Dale Chihuly.  I think I would sell my first born to be able to own an original Chihuly sculpture.