Architectural Glass Types
Architectural glass is one type of accent that has been used for centuries to help in the design of buildings. One type that has long been used in the decoration of buildings is stained glass. Glass windows, no matter whether clear or stained, have been used for not only decoration, but also to help those in the dwellings view the natural world outside. Many types of glass exist, and if one is aware of the different types, then perhaps the actual construction of a building can be understood more easily.
One of the earliest types of architectural glass that was used, is called the crown glass method. According to Wikipedia.org, "hot blown glass was cut open opposite the pipe, then rapidly spun on a table before it could cool. Centrifugal force forced the hot globe of glass into a round, flat sheet. The sheet would then be broken off the pipe and trimmed to form a rectangular window to fit into a frame." In the center of the crown glass a sort of bullseye effect would remain and this would create optical illusions. Many of the Gothic stained glass art that is seen in cathedrals, such as Canterbury, used this method to produce masterpieces that have spanned time. The method was expensive to produce, and was eventually replaced with other methods of glass work. However, when restoration is done to very old glass windows, this is often the method that is used.
Many different types of architectural glass exist. Some of the most well known types are those with stained glass coloring. A person can travel the globe and find stained glass mosaic pieces that will astound and take the breath away. If one is interested in history, a variety of cathedrals and shrines worldwide use the leaded stained glass technique to adorn their places of worship.
Architectural glass is one of the many ways that various buildings are made into works of art. No matter if one is using amazing stain glass patterns to highlight a scene of if they are using figure rolled glass for unique effects, the results are the same. Glass is not only beautiful for artistic statements, but is also wonderful for the safety that it offers. For a look at some amazing samples, visit http://www.architecturalglassinc.com.
By Home Design Editor
