New technologies on the horizon for architectural glazing will allow buildings to adapt to their environment in revolutionary new ways, according to architect Ian Ritchie. According to Ritchie, glass is currently used mainly for its aesthetic properties – its ability to let in light while keeping the elements at bay. However, developments in smart glass technology which allow it to adapt to changing weather conditions could fundamentally change its role in building design. The architect, whose project contributions include pioneering structural glazing at La Villette, the iconic Louvre pyramids in Paris, the Reina Sofia Museum of Art glass towers in Madrid and the world's largest glass hall in Leipzig, Germany, predicts that glass which darkens in response to UV rays – currently used widely in eyeglasses – will soon be seen in buildings. Other technologies on the horizon, according to Ritchie, include glazing that adjusts its light-transmission properties in response to the air temperature, and glass which filters out direct light from specific directions. His comments are part of a new report from glass manufacturer Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, on the future of glazing in commercial buildings. The Future of Glazing report can be downloaded from the Pilkington website mentioned above.
