Application
Project: The Kunsthaus Bregenz Location: Bregenz, Austria Architect: Peter Zumthor Date: 1997
Glass and steel
From the exterior, this building resembles a glass cube and at night it appears to glow. The Kunsthaus Bregenz is in fact a concrete structure that is encased in a glass faรงade. The glass panels are held within a steel frame, which is completely independent of the heavy, solid inner building. The glass is used to create impressive effects both internally and externally.
Surface treatments Architects are increasingly exploring the ambiguities that different glass surface treatments can bring. Screen-printing dots or patterns on to the surface can suggest reflections when viewed from a distance and at close range allow shadows of the interior to be seen. Jean Nouvel, for example, has been experimenting with glass for over 20 years. He uses glass as a screen and prints on to its surface to provide separation from the substance of the building behind. In his architecture, glass surfaces act much like a veil. Glass can also be treated with chemicals so that it is selfcleaning. This means it can be used in areas that may be difficult to access for maintenance. There are also surface treatments available that will reduce heat loss through the glass in the winter and control solar gain in the summer, allowing better temperature regulation.