Glass is unique in its ability to allow people the opportunity to create innovative and complex designs for anything from thermal insulation, to high security windows, to bi-folding doors and curtain walling, to the three beautiful pieces of architecture described here:
The Louvre Pyramid
This stunning example of modern architecture was built in 1984 after being commissioned by then French president, François Mitterrand. Renowned Chinese architect I.M. Pei was charged with the responsibility of creating the piece, and rose to the challenge with notable aplomb. The piece is 70 feet high and each side of its square base is 115 feet in length and made from 70 triangular glass segments.
Willis Tower Glass Balconies
Designed in 2009 by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, three Chicago-based architects. The glass balcony – or ‘The Ledge’ as it’s come to be known in Chicago – is suspended 1,353 feet in the air and can withstand five tons in weight! If that wasn’t impressive enough, the balcony has transparent walls and floor to give the impression from below that those on the balcony are walking on air. In addition, the balcony provides a breath-taking view of the Chicago skyline from the city’s famous Willis Tower.
National Grand Theatre of China
A huge glass and titanium dome was created by renowned French architect Paul Andreu in 2007, is widely regarded as one of China’s finest pieces, which is no small feat for a country so rich in stunning architecture.
Located in the middle of a man-made lake, the dome creates a reflection that creates the impression of a huge bird’s egg floating on water, which is no doubt where it got its nickname, the ‘Bird’s Egg’. The dome houses a 5,452-seater opera house, a music hall and theatre and is located just west of the famous Tiananmen Square.
It is clear that glass is so widely used because of their aesthetic beauty, which is just one of many reasons that bi-folding doors are becoming so popular. For more information, call Clearview now on 0800 1357167.
