Photographs of glittering glass buildings. Why are skyscrapers made of glass?

Modern buildings made of glass and metal, bizarre in shape, reflecting the surrounding urban landscape and floating clouds with broken or smoothly curved planes, combine, at first glance, opposite qualities: majesty and fragility, elegance and manufacturability, futurism and versatility. They fit perfectly not only in new quarters with modern buildings, but also in the historical centers of cities. Vertical and inclined planes of glazing as enclosing structures have become commonplace for modern shopping and office centers, sports facilities and residential buildings; wherever light, space and style matter. Facade translucent systems made of aluminium, steel and glass make it possible to achieve not only the architectural expressiveness of structures, but also durability, reliability, comfort - integral qualities of today's and tomorrow's architecture.

The development of translucent structures, which has been going on for more than one century, has followed the path of constant improvement. From simple window openings to strip glazing and fully glazed facades. Since the mid-twentieth century, ever-increasing requirements and standards for improving the heat and sound insulation and fire resistance of buildings, improving the microclimate of the premises, protecting the facade from solar radiation, etc. led to new constructive solutions, methods of manufacturing and installation of building structures that not only meet all the requirements of building physics, statics and ecology, but also have low operational and energy performance.

In Russia in last years glass architecture is developing and more and more buildings are being built using the most complex glass-metal systems.

Some of the systems are already widespread, examples of the implementation of others can be counted on the fingers, the appearance of the most technologically complex can be expected only in a few years. In order to understand the reasons for the slow introduction of new design solutions and to predict the prospects further development, it is necessary to clearly understand the specifics of various systems, as well as the materials used for their manufacture.

CLASSIFICATION

Translucent facade systems differ in the types of structures used to fasten glass panels, as well as in the materials from which these structures are made. To date, there are two main design schemes: with the use of metal profiles and glass fastening around the perimeter and with a spatial substructure and point glass fastening.
The first scheme includes several systems: post-transom and structural, with several intermediate variations, as well as block, or cassette. The second appeared relatively recently, and structurally it is much more complicated. An original system is developed for each project, the principles of fastening and the elements used are determined individually.

Aluminum and steel can be used for the construction of all systems. The first is used mainly in profile systems, the second - in spatial ones.
There are now more than a dozen varieties on the facade systems market. The advantages of some systems over others cannot be discussed without taking into account various parameters: operational, cost, requirements for bearing capacity and durability of the structure. A particular system should be applied precisely in the place where its advantages compensate for its disadvantages.

PROFILE SYSTEMS

Facade profile systems are self-supporting or hinged structures, which are structures made of profiled pipes with voids or so-called chambers inside. Nomenclature various kinds profiles and additional elements to them is a kind of constructor, which makes it possible to produce all kinds of glazed vertical and inclined surfaces, translucent roofs, etc. Windows and doors or blind panels can be built into all profile facades. The variety of elements of profile systems includes main bearing and overlay profiles with different structural thicknesses to provide the necessary static load. As a rule, each manufacturer also develops special elements: vents for pitched roofs, bottom and side fastening elements for sashes (turn and tilt), two-dimensional and three-dimensional articulation units, etc. Moreover, all these elements can have the same external width of the profiles and be perceived on the facade as a whole. When designing complex facades of large objects and representative buildings, the range of system profiles is often not enough, and leading companies develop special, individual profiles specifically for the object. For example, the cost of manufacturing a matrix for an arbitrary profile by Russian manufacturers with their own extrusion facilities does not exceed $2000.
Facade profiles, both aluminum and steel, are produced in two types: "cold" and "warm". The so-called "cold" profiles (without a thermal insert) are not suitable for the facades of heated buildings, they are used for, for the construction of vestibules, balcony railings, etc. "Warm" profiles have thermal insulating inserts in their design, which provide better thermal insulation of the profile.

RACK-TO-CAST SYSTEMS

The traditional, or classic, post-transom facade system with a wide range of decorative covers is the most widely used as the most versatile and simple system. It consists of vertical and horizontal elements that form the frame of the facade. Moreover, the main structural elements in this system are vertical bearing racks, to which horizontal crossbars are mechanically attached. Joints of two planes (with fractures in both horizontal and vertical planes) of a structure with a wall, with bases, as well as attachment points for facades and roofs are made using specially designed elements. These nodes allow you to reliably heat and waterproof the nodes adjoining the building, to compensate for temperature changes in the dimensions of the mating structures. The load-bearing structure is located on the inner, “warm” side of the curtain wall.

Double-glazed windows are installed from the outside and are fixed with a clamping bar on the screws. Frost-resistant rubber seals provide sealing of joints between glass and aluminum bearing profiles. The clamping bars are closed with decorative covers with a visible width of 50–80 mm. The facade looks like a glass surface, divided by clear horizontal and vertical lines of decorative covers. Opening elements: ordinary windows and doors or “hidden” transoms, indistinguishable from the outside, are built into the overall system. As a transparent enclosing structure, the mullion-transom system has a minimum cost (100–350 USD/sq. m) with maximum thermal insulation (thermal insulation coefficient with a double-glazed window Ro from 0.35 to 0.55 W/sq. mK).

The service life of this system is 20–25 years.
In Russia, post-and-beam systems of the following manufacturers are most common: SCHUCO (Germany), REYNAERS (Belgium), REHAU (Germany), HUECK/HARTMANN (Germany), NASA (USA), AGRISOVGAZ (Russia), TATPROF (Russia), METAL PLAST (Poland), GLASKEK (Estonia).

SEMI-STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

Semi-structural systems can be horizontal and vertical. In contrast to the classic rack-and-beam scheme, there are no vertical or horizontal profiles on the outside of the facade, which creates additional expressive possibilities. For example, horizontally divided facade glazing creates the feeling of a continuous horizontal glazing. External overlays can have various colors and shapes that enhance the decorative effect. Double-glazed windows in the semi-structural version are fixed in one direction traditional way(as in a post-transom structure), and in the perpendicular direction, the seams between adjacent double-glazed windows are sealed with special rubber gaskets or polymer sealants. This imposes a limitation on the size of the used double-glazed windows. Only “hidden” top-hung windows can be used as opening elements.

This glazing system is not much more expensive than a classic facade.
Semi-structural systems are available from many manufacturers. For example, SCHUCO (Germany), HUECK/HARTMANN (Germany), REYNAERS (Belgium), AGRISOVGAZ (Russia), TATPROF (Russia), ROSTAL (Russia).

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

Structural glazing systems began to be used as early as the 60s. This is one of the most popular facade solutions in the West today, which appeared as a result of the development of polymer chemistry. The metal frame of structural glazing is the same as in post-transom and semi-structural systems. The fundamental difference lies only in the method of fastening double-glazed windows using silicone sealants. Double-glazed windows are first glued into the support frame, which is then attached to the supporting frame with weather-resistant sealants. This system is characterized by the complete absence of fasteners visible from the outside, due to which the effect of a solid glass wall is achieved.

Structural glazing system features:
the service life of facades designed in this system is not limited, since glass and silicone sealant are in contact with an aggressive environment, which is especially important given the environmental situation in large cities and industrial centers;
high insulating ability; ease of operation, since a flat surface allows you to automate the process of washing glazing.

The structural system can also be used as roof glazing.
Despite the highest reliability of the system provided by adhesive bonding, in some countries there is a requirement for mandatory additional fixation of insulating glass units using mechanical elements when installing structural glazing at a height of more than 8 m.

This requirement is due to the low resistance of adhesive joints to high temperatures, which can occur during a fire. The system has a frame similar to the classical one, and therefore, is quite close to it in terms of price indicators. The final cost of structural glazing depends on the characteristics of insulating glass units, consumption of system profiles and many other factors, but usually does not exceed 300–500 USD/sq. m.
Structural systems are included in the range of most manufacturers. For example, SCHUCO (Germany), REYNAERS (Belgium), HUECK/HARTMANN (Germany), AGRISOVGAZ (Russia), ROSTAL (Russia), TATPROF (Russia), etc.

CASSETTE, OR BLOCK, SYSTEMS

Cassette facade systems are a natural completion of the evolution of profile systems for glazing large surfaces. They are the most technologically advanced, industrial, simple and economical. Post-transom frame is filled with prefabricated cassettes.
The sash can only have a top-hung outward opening and can be built into any section without distinction from the outside. Developed on the basis of the post-transom, the block system is 30–40 percent more expensive than its percent, but it gives a tangible gain in the quality of installation, since only ready-made blocks are hung at the construction site. Those. there are no complex, highly skilled assembly work, and the percentage of battle is also reduced.

Plus, the installation speed is more than 3-4 times. Today, with the current volume of glazing, this is very important point. Especially in high-rise construction, where the block system can be mounted without additional devices for outdoor work. In addition, when using block systems, a high quality of the facade is guaranteed, which in high-rise construction cannot be controlled in any other way. How alternative way creation of glass facades in the second half of the twentieth century, more complex systems arose and began to develop with a spatially developed frame and the absence of opaque elements separating glass panels. They use modern materials and the latest calculation methods. These systems are called planar.
from English word planar - "flat".

MATERIALS. ALUMINUM

Aluminum - light, durable, ductile, economical, easy to maintain with a long service life; environmentally friendly, it does not contain impurities of heavy metals, does not emit harmful substances under the influence ultraviolet rays and remains operational in any climatic conditions at temperature differences from -80oC to +100oC. After surface treatment of aluminum products, they become resistant to harmful effects caused by rain, snow, and smog.

Made from aluminum most facade "cold" and "warm" profile systems. Profiles, as a rule, are made of a 3-component alloy: aluminum, magnesium, silicon. They can be natural anodized or powder coated in any of the RAL colors.

Advantages of aluminum facades:

• a large selection of different systems and profiles;
• are produced industrially, which gives high quality and low cost;
• depending on the glass used, reduce the noise level by 4 dB.

Disadvantages of aluminum facades:

• direct contact with other metals can cause electrolytic reactions to occur, leading to corrosion;
• higher thermal conductivity of the aluminum profile without thermal breaks compared to wood and PVC profile;
• small bearing capacity.
  

To compensate for the latter drawback, either a reinforcing aluminum profile is used, which is inserted into the inner chamber of a conventional one, or additional steel structures.

STEEL

Steel is an impact-resistant, impact-resistant, durable and environmentally friendly material with high strength properties. For translucent facade structures, both ordinary galvanized steel, after mechanical treatment, painted with high-resistance powder and epoxy paints, and stainless, high-carbon steel are used. Using steel profile systems, you can do without load-bearing substructures. This has a positive effect on both the scope of work and the appearance of the structure.

Advantages of steel facades:

• increased bearing capacity and rigidity of structures. They withstand high static loads (2.8 times more than analogues in aluminum), allow you to create large light openings and increase the insolation of the room, and also use in the design of double-glazed windows weighing up to 240 kg with standard fastening solutions or weighing up to 600 kg when installing special supports under glass;
• low thermal conductivity. The coefficient of resistance to heat transfer (R) for various types of steel structures with double-glazed windows is 0.77 square meters. m °C/W. The temperature expansion of the steel profile is approximately 2 times less than that of aluminum, which allows to reduce mounting gaps;
• practically unlimited service life;
• high corrosion resistance. Depends on the thinnest passive layer of chromium oxide, which is formed on the surface of the product;
• possibility of surface treatment. Profiles can be polished and ground;
• good fire resistance. Steel structures are indispensable where, according to fire requirements, racks must stand for at least 1.5–2 hours. The same parameters in aluminum structures can be achieved using special fillers, which increases their cost by four to five times.

The main disadvantage of steel is the significant cost of products made from this metal and the complexity of their manufacture.

Given the specifics of steel as a material, we can say that the most promising areas of its application in translucent facades are:

complex spatial structures (for example, planar glazing), transparent structures with increased fire resistance requirements, as well as facade structures exceeding the 120-meter height mark.
An equally important role in facade systems, in addition to load-bearing structural elements - profiles and substructures, is played by glass. Actually, these structures owe him their main advantage - translucency.
All systems are designed to connect glass panels as reliably as possible in one plane, to make a glass wall as strong and warm as an ordinary brick wall.

GLASS AND GLASS PACKAGES

Modern glasses are fundamentally different from those that were used in the middle of the last century. They are produced by the float method, which allows the production of glass with a stable thickness, a high-quality surface that does not require polishing, and no optical defects. Scientific research and development has led to the emergence of a whole range of different types of glasses that meet modern requirements.
requirements for heat saving, mechanical strength, spectral range of transmitted radiation, etc. The range of produced glass is extremely wide. Therefore, the choice of glass should be determined not only by aesthetic considerations, but also by the optical and energy characteristics of the glazing and its operating conditions.

In translucent enclosing structures, the most widely used
the following types of modern glasses:

• sun protection glasses with the ability to reduce the transmission of light and / or solar thermal energy. Due to a thin metal layer deposited on the surface of the glass, they either reflect or absorb solar radiation. In the second case, the glasses themselves heat up and give off most of the heat received to the outside space and inside the room;
• similar properties have colored or colored glass in the mass;
• laminated glass (triplex) consists of two or more glasses laminated together with a film or a special liquid. The main task of the triplex is protection, because when broken, glass fragments remain on the film. In addition, triplex helps to protect the premises from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and improves sound insulation;
• Tempered glass is glass that has been chemically or thermally treated to increase its resistance to impact and temperature changes. When destroyed, it disintegrates into small, harmless fragments. Tempered glass can be used in the production of insulating glass or laminated glass;
• energy-saving glass is the most promising direction.
  Unfortunately, in Russia this type of glass is not yet as well known and not as widely used as it deserves. Glass acquires energy-saving properties after applying low-emission optical coatings to its surface. These coatings ensure the passage of shortwave into the room.
  solar radiation, but prevent long-wave thermal radiation from escaping from the room, for example from a heater.

Ideas you might get from this article.

Louvre glass pyramid

After François Mitterrand became President of France in 1981, a program was approved for the restoration of France's most significant cultural sites, among which the Louvre could not be left out. In 1983, the American architect of Chinese origin, Bei Yuming, was approved as the chief architect responsible for the reconstruction of the Louvre, who became the first foreign specialist admitted to work on the main cultural heritage France.

During the six years of reconstruction in the most famous French museum, much has changed, but the most important “novelty” to this day is the glass pyramids, which became the second, after eiffel tower, calling card Paris. Four glass pyramids grew in Napoleon's courtyard, the main one of which became the main entrance to the Louvre. An unusual one was built inside the pyramid to enter the museum.

The large pyramid in the center is surrounded by three smaller pyramidal structures. Interestingly, the proportions of the main pyramid were formed by analogy with the well-known Egyptian pyramid Cheops at Giza. It consists of 603 diamond-shaped glass fragments and 70 triangular ones. The thickness of the glass used in the construction of the pyramid is 21 mm. The height of the most famous French pyramid is 22 m. The use of absolutely transparent glass made it possible to improve the penetration of light into one of the most visited halls of the main French museum.

From the very beginning, the design of the glass pyramid was criticized by the Parisians: few French people believed that the modern glass structure was in harmony with the pomposity of the buildings built by the monarchs. But over time, everyone appreciated the advantages of using glass: despite the contrast between modernity and history, the pyramids did not violate the harmony of the Louvre, on the contrary, they gave it magic and a fairy tale.

To make the glass structure stand out in the dark and sparkle brightly at night, 100W halogen lamps were built into the frame along the perimeter of the glass fragments. This allowed the second symbol of Paris after the Eiffel Tower to shine in all its beauty and attract tourists from all over the world.

Chapel of La Estancia in Cuernavaca, Mexico

In the city of Cuernavaca, which is located 85 kilometers south of Mexico City, is the most unusual chapel in the world.

The Chapel of La Estancia is part of a garden complex designed for marriage ceremonies. Rich in lush vegetation, the gardens of La Estancia are decorated in the traditional Mexican colonial baroque style. The previous chapel was a small, low building with a canvas canopy for a roof. The new design of the wedding venue is a bit contrasting with the surrounding landscape, but at the same time, the lightness and transparency of the forms allow it to fit harmoniously into the overall landscape. The glass chapel was created in 2007 by a young architect, who later got married in it.

When creating the project for the chapel, there was also the option of building or, but later the architects abandoned such drastic measures for various reasons.

When the idea of ​​​​creating a glass chapel was approved, the architects faced a problem: the room should not become a greenhouse with an unpleasant greenhouse effect for a human, but should be a comfortable place to stay. The solution was glass U-shaped translucent panels, located from each other at the same distance of 10 centimeters. From the outside, they seem to be the only whole, and it is not even immediately clear that the gaps between the panels are not made of glass. Thus, with the ventilation of the room, the problems were solved. In order, in view of the hot climate and high temperatures environment, the chapel was not heated, it was located in the shade of tall rosewood trees with a lush crown.

At night, the illumination built into the perimeter of the chapel transforms La Estancia, the magical look of which attracts and enchants tourists and newlyweds from all over the world.

Department of Health in Bilbao, Spain

The building of the Department of Health in Bilbao has become not only the most unique and interesting architectural structure of the city. It has turned into a real masterpiece of architecture, which made Bilbao famous all over the world. The futuristic glass building, completed in 2008, was the subject of controversy: some were delighted with the original design, others considered it too pretentious and expensive (budget of almost 13 million euros).

The construction of a new health department building in the heart of Bilbao was approved to address the difficulties faced by the organization. Its staff was located in several buildings at once in different parts of the city, which sometimes made life difficult not only for the employees themselves, but also for citizens who wanted to contact the department and were forced to look for the department they needed throughout Bilbao. The new building, of course, solved all these problems: the staff is now located in one room, and it is not difficult for anyone to find their location.

Since the building was to be located in historical center city, architects were obliged to create a project within the framework of several conditions, one of which was the obligatory repetition by the building of the shape of the walls of the surrounding buildings. It is for this reason that the building actually has two facades: the internal one is responsible for fulfilling the above requirements; external - for originality and exclusivity appearance. Glass panels, connected in relation to each other at different angles, create the impression of volume and unreality.

Double-glazed windows that make up the external facade perform not only an aesthetic function: it allows you to save energy for heating the building. In addition, the installed glass has soundproofing properties, which makes life easier for employees of an organization located in a noisy city center.

The seven main floors are divided into offices, in which the bulk of the health department's employees are concentrated. It is noteworthy that in most offices for more optimal space zoning. At the top of the building, resembling a tower, there is a meeting room, and underground parking for staff is located under the building.

Mary Ex skyscraper in London

The Mary X skyscraper is located in business center London and due to its unique design attracts the attention of not only residents of the city and tourists from all over the world. This building is also remarkable in terms of its architectural design, engineering and design solutions. For the past nine years (the skyscraper was built in 2004), the British press, describing Mary-Ex, does not skimp on epithets and metaphors: many compare it with a cucumber, but more refined nicknames are also accepted, such as: “erotic gherkin” and “intimate allusion ".

The skyscraper consists of 40 floors, the largest radius is reached on the 16th floor, tapering to the top and bottom. Interestingly, the maximum circumference of the building is only 2 meters less than its height, which is almost 200 meters. On the upper floors (from 38 to 40) there are fashionable restaurants and other entertainment establishments. In the premises of Mary-Ex also, as well. The entrance to the building has a triangular shape so as not to stand out from the glass facade.

The aerodynamic shape of the skyscraper is aimed at weakening the force of wind currents and reducing the vibrations of the building. An additional benefit of a glass façade is that, although it is significantly taller than neighboring buildings, the glass allows enough light to pass through without completely blocking out the sun.

On the middle and lower floors, where the offices are located, the external, visible, glass facade is combined with two internal layers of glass, between which there is some space intended for ventilation.

The facade of Mary-Ex consists of 5,500 diamond-shaped glass packages with special soundproofing and energy-saving properties. The total area of ​​the glass facade is 24,000 square meters. The double-glazed windows are tinted for shading in sunny days. Special light shafts work automatically, which allows you to ventilate the air at no cost. As a result, it is possible to improve energy saving up to 40% per year. The transparency of the glass facade also contributes to energy saving, which allows less use of artificial lighting. During the construction, materials made from recycled materials and suitable for reuse were used, which is very important in modern conditions of environmental degradation. These and many other factors allowed the Mary-Ex skyscraper to be recognized as the best skyscraper in the world in 2003 and 2004. In addition, it is one of the most environmentally friendly modern buildings.

Netherlands Institute for Sound and Imaging

The main attraction of the city of Hilversum in Holland is the building of the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Image, known throughout the world for its innovation. The Institute also serves as an archive for national broadcasting documents accumulated over the years. It is also one of the most popular museums not only in Hilversum, but in the whole of Holland.

Notable in the building of the Institute in the first place is its facade, made using several complex glass processing techniques. The total area of ​​the glass facade is 54 square meters. The famous Dutch artist Jaap Drupsteen was engaged in the design of the facade for three years. His project was to use key video footage from the history of Dutch television to decorate the façade. Among them, it is difficult, but still possible, to find the Minister of Justice, who switched from a car to a bicycle, and the legendary Johan Cruyff, who scores a goal. A special effect was applied to the drawings, as a result of which they became blurry.

In order to build an amazing glass structure, you need to be not only a skilled architect, but also have impeccable taste. Introducing the 10 Most Impressive Glass Buildings in the World!

The headquarters of the Ministry of Health of the Basque Country is located in Bilbao, a city in northern Spain. This 13-story building is more like a modern art gallery than an office building. In addition to its practical purpose, the headquarters is also one of the city's most popular attractions.

The workshop of the Kanagawa Institute of Technology is a unique building, consisting essentially of a single room measuring 2,000 square meters. Located in Tokyo on the territory of the institute. For its construction, only steel lintels and glass panels were used, which made the workshop incredibly transparent.

Farnsworth House was designed by the famous German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the middle of the 20th century on a private order from a female doctor, Edith Farnsworth. This is a small transparent building with a single room, almost merging with surrounding nature standing on the river bank near the town of Plano in the USA. Today, the house houses a museum.

Botanical Garden Curitiba. Curitiba - The largest city southern region Brazil. Her botanical garden was opened in 1991, immediately becoming the main attraction of the city. In the center of the garden area of ​​240 thousand square meters. m., surrounded by fountains and waterfalls, there is a greenhouse made of metal and glass, inspired by the Crystal Palace in London.

The W Hotel in Barcelona is the epitome of modern architecture. Designed by Ricardo Beaufil in the shape of a sail, this five-star hotel has graced the Mediterranean coast since 2009.

The Netherlands Institute for Image and Sound is one of the most unusual buildings in the world, especially spectacular at night. It is cubic in shape and entirely covered with colored glass panels. The building houses a museum and archive of audio and video materials.

The Louvre Pyramid in Paris is considered one of the most famous glass buildings of our time. Built in 1989 as the entrance to the Louvre, it initially drew heavy criticism but quickly gained popularity and fame. The project was led by architect Bei Yuming.

The Mary Ax skyscraper, also known as the Gherkin, is a 40-story symbol of modern architecture in financial center London. It has no corners, and it is completely covered with glass, the top is crowned with a transparent dome. In 2004, the project received the prestigious James Stirling Award for the best skyscraper in the world.

Modern offices fascinate with their appearance. They are no longer the gray and nondescript buildings they were 50 years ago. Every year more and more new design solutions are created. And along with the development scientific progress new modern designs and finishing materials are being created, the possibilities of raw materials known to us, such as wood, metal, glass, etc., are improving.

Glass is now considered ideal for office buildings. Such offices always attract attention, combining rigor and sophistication.

Glass is widely used in the architecture of houses. first started to do in the West. More durable glass allowed them to be erected to a height exceeding 100 meters.

Glass is very popular among designers as well. In the XVIII - XIX century, the interior in which such material was used spoke of high status his master. If then glass was available only to the cream of society, now almost everyone can afford it.

It has long become familiar office furniture made of glass. Together with metal, they form tables, cabinets, chairs. Although, there is furniture made without metal inserts, which every year is becoming increasingly popular among companies. Due to their strength, they can withstand quite a lot of weight. Glass cabinets and shelving look very impressive. The objects that are on them look like they are hovering in the air.

No less popular. Their main goal is to divide the office space into work areas. They are very comfortable in the sense that they transmit light well. As a rule, an office partition consists of a frame and a panel.

The panels can be made of both metal and glass, which undergoes heat treatment, as a result of which the material becomes 5-8 times stronger than usual. Another advantage is safety. Even when destroyed, it will not harm a person. In addition, the design of glass visually increases the space in the room.

Designers also offer glass tinting or matting. It is also possible to apply company logos, which will perfectly complement the overall design of the office building.

We should also not forget about the small details of the interior, such as glass lamps and vases. They can be painted with different colors or have a non-standard pattern.

So, almost all office buildings can be equipped with this material: from glass facades to individual accessories made of glass. An office created in this style always looks expensive and fashionable, which undoubtedly gives the company a certain advantage.

Today, the uniqueness of architecture manifests itself in different ways. IN this direction Great importance is given, as a building material, to glass. Over the past decade, extraordinary glass structures, striking in their beauty, have been built all over the planet, using the latest cutting-edge technologies.

We offer you to look at 10 most beautiful buildings made of glass.

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10. The building of the botanical garden in Curitiba (Parna, Brazil)

The botanical garden was opened in 1991. It was built according to the project of architects who were struck by their singularity of the Crystal Palace, located in London. The construction of the garden is located on the main street of the city of Curitiba in Brazil, which today is one of the favorite places for tourists. It contains a wide variety of plants.

The building, which was built in the Art Nouveau style, with a total area of ​​450 sq.m. has refined forms made of glass and metal, around which are located unusual fountains and waterfalls that captivate the eye.

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9. Kanagawa Institute of Technology (Tokyo)

The building of the Kanagawa Institute of Technology, built in Tokyo, is today the most transparent building on Earth.

The institute was designed by a group of architects led by Jun Ishigam. It covers an area of ​​2000 sq.m. The walls of this structure are built of glass panels, as well as metal columns, which have different shapes, sizes and are painted white. Because of this, visitors get the feeling that they are now in the forest, and not in the room itself.

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8. House Farnsworth (Illinois, USA)

One of the oldest structures described in this article is the Farnsworth House, which also consists of glass. It was designed by the architect Ludwig van der Rohe.

The house is located on the banks of the Fox River, near the town of Plano. An unusual nuance of this building is its transparency, which allows you to feel unity with the surrounding nature. It was built in 1951 as a vacation home for Dr. Edith Farnsworth. It had only one room, the walls of which were completely transparent. However, already in 2006, a museum was established in it, and the building was given the status of a National Historical Monument.