SPACE MODULATOR No.90 New Wave Of Glass Architecture 2. Werner Sobek's world

We are also proactively partaking in the research and development of new materials. Some examples of our important work include "adaptive systems", fabrics such as metal mesh, reinforced glass for structural purposes and new glass structure systems.
The concept of "adaptive systems" is that of a new material that will "automatically adapt to the environment of the outside world". In the discipline of fabrics, we are involved in the development of extremely lightweight materials that possess multiple functions. These new materials have the potential to ultimately replace materials that are traditionally employed in façades. In addition, by adapting to the variable physical environmental conditions inside and outside the building, these new materials have the potential to provide comfort to inhabitants inside.
The same function is also potentially achievable in light control glass. This glass has the ability to control its capacity immediately and without gradation; therefore, it has the potential to provide each individual user with the most ideal condition.
In the discipline of reinforced glass for structural purposes, in keeping with our goal of realizing highly efficient glass that exceeds traditional glass, we are testing combinations of various reinforcement materials with glass. This combination glass will not collapse even if all layers are destroyed and it possesses sufficient load support efficiencies. It extends the limits of glass structures and is also far safer to employ than traditional glass in applications such as skylights, handrails and stairs.
An example of the pursuit to de-materialize is the glass-only structural system. We understand that ILEK's "glass arches" was quite impressively introduced in a magazine; however, trial manufacturing of glass arches with a span of 10-meters and 20-meters has since been undertaken. In cooperation with Mr. Lucio Blandini, we have taken the concept of a "purely glass structure" further with the trial manufacturing of a 10-meter diameter dome. The individual glass parts of this dome are glued together quite strongly, so there is absolutely no need for metal fittings in this application.


metal mesh glass arche 10-meter diameter glass dome Photos by WSI		Research on new materials and glass structures We are also proactively partaking in the research and development of new materials. Some examples of our important work include "adaptive systems", fabrics such as metal mesh, reinforced glass for structural purposes and new glass structure systems. The concept of "adaptive systems" is that of a new material that will "automatically adapt to the environment of the outside world". In the discipline of fabrics, we are involved in the development of extremely lightweight materials that possess multiple functions. These new materials have the potential to ultimately replace materials that are traditionally employed in façades. In addition, by adapting to the variable physical environmental conditions inside and outside the building, these new materials have the potential to provide comfort to inhabitants inside. The same function is also potentially achievable in light control glass. This glass has the ability to control its capacity immediately and without gradation; therefore, it has the potential to provide each individual user with the most ideal condition. In the discipline of reinforced glass for structural purposes, in keeping with our goal of realizing highly efficient glass that exceeds traditional glass, we are testing combinations of various reinforcement materials with glass. This combination glass will not collapse even if all layers are destroyed and it possesses sufficient load support efficiencies. It extends the limits of glass structures and is also far safer to employ than traditional glass in applications such as skylights, handrails and stairs. An example of the pursuit to de-materialize is the glass-only structural system. We understand that ILEK's "glass arches" was quite impressively introduced in a magazine; however, trial manufacturing of glass arches with a span of 10-meters and 20-meters has since been undertaken. In cooperation with Mr. Lucio Blandini, we have taken the concept of a "purely glass structure" further with the trial manufacturing of a 10-meter diameter dome. The individual glass parts of this dome are glued together quite strongly, so there is absolutely no need for metal fittings in this application.
Index page Previous page Next page
LINKS In English :Top Page : What is SPACE MODULATOR SPACE MODULATOR 86 "RWE Tower" SPACE MODULATOR 87 "Belrin Restructuring 2000" SPACE MODULATOR 89 "Glass Architecture Infused with Light" In Japanese Only :NSG HomePage: Back Numbers:How to Subscribe:Dear Editor : :A Guide to Japanese Museums: :Summary of issues on museums: