scholten & baijings present a family of etched + printed glass gradient patterns for skyline design

French design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have launched a new collection of architectural glass panels, developed in partnership with Skyline Design. This collection, which debuted at NeoCon, received a Silver award in the Architectural and Decorative Glass category. The project represents a thoughtful exploration of color, light, and scale, drawing inspiration from various observations in their daily lives. The design process began with the brothers capturing photographs of their surroundings, ranging from natural landscapes to urban scenes. The aim was to distill the inherent sensations of colors and light present in these everyday moments. From a selection of eight initial images, Erwan Bouroullec utilized a custom computer script to analyze the color information. This script then condensed the captured colors into a unique base color for each panel, simultaneously transforming the rhythmic qualities of the original images into distinct patterns. A subsequent layer of translucent patterns further enhances this foundational color, resulting in a multitude of additional color variations. The patterns are delineated by a darker outline, intentionally designed to evoke the lead lines found in traditional stained glass. This technique aims to mimic how lead frames shape the visual experience of stained glass, with the lines in the Bouroullec panels subtly influencing the distribution and density of colors, creating an almost imperceptible shift. The Bouroullec brothers specifically sought to reinterpret the captivating qualities of stained glass found in medieval cathedrals. Their objective was to translate the immersive and atmospheric experience of these historical artworks into contemporary architectural glass. The complex interplay of color and line within their panels is designed to create a sensation of being enveloped within an abstract landscape, evoking a similar sense of wonder that one might experience in a medieval cathedral. Skyline Design’s digital print and manufacturing capabilities bring these designs to fruition. The panels offer considerable customization options in terms of size, scale, and color, allowing them to be adapted for diverse applications. The collection features four distinct pattern variations: Oblique Regular, Oblique Bold, Chevron Stroke, and Chevron Fill. Each of these patterns is available in four monochromatic color schemes or four polychromatic palettes. These versatile glass panels can be integrated into various architectural contexts, both internal and external. Potential interior applications include feature walls, space dividers, and stair railings. For exterior use, the panels can be incorporated into facades, railings, and canopies, demonstrating their adaptability to different design needs and environments. #BouroullecBrothers #StainedGlass #ArchitecturalGlass #SkylineDesign #ColorAndLight #DesignInnovation #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign

The Dutch design studio Scholten & Baijings has collaborated with New York textiles brand Maharam to create a unique collection of interior fabrics, distinguished by a large-scale pattern repeat designed to upholster an entire sofa without visual repetition. This innovative approach addresses a common challenge in textile design for large furniture pieces, where patterns often repeat noticeably. The first two designs in this series are named Blocks and Grid, and they are part of an ongoing partnership between Scholten & Baijings and Maharam Design Studio. The genesis of this project involved a detailed exploration into modern color blocking by Stefan Scholten and Carole Baijings. Their research led them to conceptualize and develop two extensive compositions, specifically scaled to accommodate the typical amount of fabric needed for a full sofa upholstery. Both Blocks and Grid textiles feature an impressive nine-meter pattern repeat, ensuring a seamless and non-repetitive aesthetic across large surfaces. Despite this extensive repeat, the fabrics maintain a standard width of 142 centimeters. A key aspect of the design process was ensuring that the textiles would be equally compelling both as standalone patterns and when applied to furniture. Scholten emphasized the importance of a nine-meter piece of fabric being as visually engaging as a single meter, highlighting the careful consideration given to the overall composition. Baijings drew a parallel to Mondrian paintings, noting that while Mondrian's compositions are contained within the canvas, upholstery fabric design demands a different methodology to maintain interest across an expansive surface. To overcome these design complexities, Scholten & Baijings employed their characteristic method of using multiple scale models during development. This allowed them to meticulously refine the patterns and test their visual impact at various scales. The textiles primarily consist of 92 percent wool and 8 percent nylon, and the design duo focused on how color perception translates when woven into wool. The fabrics are also designed to complement each other, allowing for cohesive integration within interior schemes. Blocks showcases Scholten & Baijings' signature color juxtapositions, creating vibrant and dynamic visual effects. Grid, on the other hand, builds color densities through the interplay of parallel and perpendicular lines. Scholten explained that the density of the grid influences the perception of color, lending a lighter, more ethereal appearance compared to a solid monochromatic plane. This nuanced approach to color and pattern ensures depth and visual interest. Blocks and Grid first premiered in "The Dinner Party," an installation at the V&A museum during the 2013 London Design Festival, and were also featured in the Art Institute of Chicago’s "3 in 1: Contemporary Explorations in Architecture and Design" exhibition. These designs are slated to appear in another exhibition of Scholten & Baijings' work at the Villa Noailles in Hyères, France, over the summer. Furthermore, both textiles have been acquired for the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, recognizing their significant contribution to textile design. A third textile, Tones, is anticipated to be unveiled at NeoCon 2014 and launched by Maharam in Spring 2015, further expanding this innovative collection. #TextileDesign #FabricInnovation #ScholtenBaijings #Maharam #InteriorDesign #ColorBlocking #UpholsteryFabric #DesignCollaboration #WoolNylonBlend

New York-based design studio Trueing has unveiled its latest lighting collection, Cerine, at this year's NYCxDesign festival. The collection, which includes two pendants, a floor lamp, and a sconce, features bold, hand-formed chain links made from thick borosilicate glass in a variety of vibrant colors. The Brooklyn studio, co-founded by Aiden Bowman and Josh Metersky, aimed to offer an "interesting spin on the familiar" by reinterpreting traditional chain motifs found in jewelry, industrial settings, and architectural ornamentation. The design draws inspiration from diverse sources, such as delicate golden chain necklaces, robust metal chains seen in shipyards, and the decorative elements on Beaux-Arts building facades. Metersky explains that while chain is a common element in traditional lighting design, Trueing sought to create a fresh interpretation, making the chain itself the focal point rather than merely a functional component. Each individual chain link is precisely seven centimeters wide and twelve centimeters tall, and can be customized in seven opaque or transparent color options to suit various bespoke arrangements. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, the glass chains play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the lights, allowing them to be positioned and held in place. The metal finishes accompanying the glass elements are available in brushed brass, satin or polished nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze, providing a range of complementary material options. Metersky highlights the unique character of the hand-made links, noting that their individual imperfections contribute to a cohesive and natural overall appearance. The Cerine series showcases different applications of these distinctive chains to support mouth-blown glass bulbs. One pendant design uses two hooks to suspend the fixture from the ceiling, creating a significant, inverse-arch-like droop. The sconce variant incorporates three glass links that dangle from a metal arm, which in turn holds the light bulb. The floor lamp design features nine stacked pieces of Carrara marble forming its base, with five pastel pink glass links suspended from an arched arm that supports the glass orb. The glass orb itself can be specified in classic white opaline or a selection of custom colors. Trueing launched the Cerine collection through a partnership with Pas De Calais, a Japanese clothing store situated in Manhattan's Soho district. This collaboration was deemed a natural fit due to the shared design sensibilities between Trueing and the fashion label, both prioritizing purity, nostalgia, and a refined, elemental approach to traditional forms. Bowman emphasized that the collection's essence—recalling traditional design pieces rendered in a reductive manner—aligns perfectly with Pas De Calais's ethos and aesthetic. The Cerine exhibition at 482 Broome Street was open until the end of May, coinciding with NYCxDesign 2019, which ran from May 10th to 22nd. This marks Trueing's second collection, following their debut range launched in January at The Future Perfect in Manhattan. The NYCxDesign festival also featured other notable exhibits, including Workstead and Calico Wallpaper's designs showcased at New York's Arcade Bakery, and an immersive lighting installation by Snarkitecture. Photography for the Cerine collection was provided by Lauren Coleman, with additional images by Alan Tansey for the installation at Pas De Calais. #LightingDesign #GlassChains #NYCxDesign #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign #TrueingStudio #HandFormedGlass #DesignExhibition #CerineCollection

This blog post compiles recent articles and projects from Designboom focusing on the application of glass in art, architecture, and design. The collection highlights the versatility and aesthetic potential of glass, ranging from large-scale public installations to architectural facades and interior elements. The articles showcase how artists and designers are pushing the boundaries of traditional glass use, incorporating it into innovative structures and artistic expressions. Key examples include a luminous forest in Hanoi composed of mirroring steel branches, demonstrating glass's role in creating immersive public art. Another project features an 'invisible Tokyo bar' that utilizes heated, transparent acrylic glass panels to distort reality, illustrating glass's capacity for experiential design. Architecture projects frequently employ glass for facades, as seen in Selgascano's transparent seaside café in China with three parallel glass volumes, and Cossement Cardoso's Helsinki museum concept, which features a textured glass skin forming a curved roof. The DA VÀNG studio in Vietnam also uses 3,000 glass bricks to create a curved, translucent house facade, emphasizing both structural and aesthetic applications. The articles also delve into the use of glass in smaller-scale design and art pieces. For instance, Bottega Veneta's summer show features 'lucid murano blown-glass stools' that mimic sea waves, showcasing glass as a medium for elegant furniture and decor. Artists like Vincent Leroy use floating lenses in an optical mobile, and Ben Tuna transforms a Porsche 911 into an art car with cathedral-inspired stained glass, highlighting the material's artistic adaptability. Sarah Brahim and Ugo Schiavi explore ancient rituals through glass temples and vessels, linking glass to cultural and historical narratives. Further architectural applications include a gradient brick facade by Delmulle Delmulle in a Belgium house, transitioning from terracotta to glass, and Vinklu's triangular prism coffee shop in Romania, using glass to fill narrow urban gaps. SICIS uses decorative glass to create glowing swimming pool surfaces in Cambodian villas, while BBWORKSPACE's Thai café employs iridescent panels to evoke gemstones and refract light. EcoLogicStudio's microbial installation at Triennale Milano reimagines domesticity with glass components, and Apropos Architects use a translucent glass facade for the Czech pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, demonstrating its use in significant public structures. Industrial design also features glass, such as Bugatti's Brouillard Coupe, which includes a miniature glass sculpture in its gearshift. Fredrik Nielsen's Stockholm studio explores glass's resistance to fragility and embraces chance in its creation. Atelier Échelle’s lakeside gallery residence subtly integrates glass within dark clay brick structures, harmonizing modern elements with traditional aesthetics. The variety of projects presented collectively underscores glass's multifaceted role in contemporary design, from enhancing visual experiences and light manipulation to contributing to structural integrity and artistic expression across diverse scales and contexts. #GlassArt #GlassDesign #ArchitecturalGlass #PublicInstallations #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryArt #BuildingMaterials #DesignInnovation #SustainableDesign

The Milan-based design studio 6:AM, founded by Edoardo Pandolfo and Francesco Palù in 2018, is redefining the application and perception of Murano glass. The studio's name, 6:AM, signifies the moment the furnaces on the Venetian island are ignited daily, marking the continuation of a 700-year-old glassmaking tradition. Pandolfo, a Venice native, and Palù, an architect, aim to introduce Murano glass to a broader audience through a diverse range of products, including architectural installations, modular lighting, furniture, and sculptural objects, all characterized by precision, materiality, and conceptual clarity. Their work spans bespoke commissions for international brands and research-driven explorations into the future of glassmaking. 6:AM's approach marries ancient techniques with contemporary aesthetics, emphasizing a continuous dialogue between craftsmanship and design. This synergy means that product development and glassworking techniques evolve in parallel, where the object's shape often dictates how the glass is worked, and conversely, the design influences the choice of technique. The studio collaborates closely with Murano's master artisans, leveraging their extensive expertise in manipulating glass in its molten state. They actively experiment with layering, fusing, and adapting traditional methods to expand the material's potential while striving to minimize environmental impact. A notable project demonstrating this ethos is FLOAT, unveiled during Milan Design Week 2024. This collection repurposed salvaged glass from 1930s Milanese windows into furniture, shelving, and architectural cladding. By combining fused glass panels with minimalist steel structures, FLOAT explored new technical and aesthetic possibilities for post-industrial materials. This initiative culminated in the 'Resourceful Intelligence' installation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, where reprocessed glass from Milan’s Palazzo Missori was utilized to showcase circular design strategies, developed in collaboration with Park Associati. Earlier in the year, 6:AM held its inaugural solo exhibition, 'Two-Fold Silence,' at Milan's historic Piscina Cozzi during Milan Design Week. The exhibition featured Quadrato, a lighting collection that draws inspiration from 1920s industrial design, blending Bauhaus rationalism with the geometric abstraction of Kazimir Malevič. The Quadrato collection, crafted from blown Murano glass with varying textures and opacities, included a screen-printed lattimo wall lamp encased in painted iron, offering a modern interpretation of early 20th-century emergency lights. From crafting jewel-like hand-blown Murano glass stools for Bottega Veneta’s SS26 runway show to their pioneering material recovery projects, 6:AM consistently demonstrates a distinctive visual language. This language is characterized by fluid silhouettes, luminous textures, and a steadfast commitment to handmade quality. Each cuboid stool for Bottega Veneta, for instance, began as a 43 cm glass block shaped using cast-iron molds engraved with CNC technology, reflecting a process akin to traditional marble sculpture. The studio's work is deeply embedded in Murano’s historical glassmaking heritage, yet it is decisively forward-looking, continuously pushing the boundaries of glass design. #GlassDesign #MuranoGlass #6AMStudio #MilanDesign #SustainableDesign #BottegaVeneta #ArchitecturalInstallations #ContemporaryCraftsmanship #CircularDesign

This article highlights eight architectural projects from around the world that utilize glass bricks and blocks to enhance natural light, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. Glass bricks, which gained popularity in the 1930s, are experiencing a resurgence in modern architecture due to their ability to create luminous facades, internal partitions, and intriguing patterns of light and shadow. The selected projects demonstrate diverse applications of this material, ranging from residential homes to commercial spaces and greenhouses. The Optical Glass House in Japan, designed by Hiroshi Nakamura, features a shimmering glass-brick facade that encloses a residence on a busy street in Hiroshima. Approximately 6,000 bespoke glass blocks provide privacy while allowing diffused views and casting dynamic light patterns onto a tree-filled courtyard. The Brest Post Office renovation in France by Chatillon Architectes integrated glass bricks into the extension of a 1950s post office converted into flats, giving the building a contemporary quality alongside concrete and wooden elements. In Chile, Max Núñez Arquitectos' Casa de Vidrio uses square glass blocks to form vaulted roofs for a greenhouse. These blocks refract light, creating a warm environment suitable for tropical plants without direct sun exposure. Delmulle Delmulle Architecten's Glass Brick House in Belgium, situated on a narrow, enclosed plot in Ghent, employs a glass-brick facade to maximize natural light within the three-story home, addressing the challenge of limited window space. The Glass Fortress in Thailand, by Archismith, serves as an entrance pavilion for a sales office in Bangkok. Its facade comprises 20,000 rectangular glass bricks, which reduce the feeling of claustrophobia within the eight-meter-high walls and block out external noise. MVRDV's Crystal Houses in the Netherlands feature a partially transparent facade made from hundreds of glass bricks and transparent high-strength glue, creating the illusion of a dissolving wall that merges with existing terracotta brickwork, offering an alternative to a traditional shopfront. Remi Connolly-Taylor's self-designed Maryland House in the UK incorporates a tower of square glass blocks to enclose a red staircase. This design maximizes natural light while maintaining privacy and light standards for adjacent properties. Finally, ROOM+ Design & Build's Glass-Block Micro House in Vietnam involved renovating a compact house and shop in Ho Chi Minh City, replacing two street-facing walls with translucent glass blocks. At night, the house transforms into a sparkling lantern, enlivening the neighborhood. These projects collectively illustrate the versatility and renewed appeal of glass bricks in contemporary architecture for their functional and aesthetic benefits. #GlassBricks #ArchitectureDesign #NaturalLight #Privacy #FacadeDesign #GreenhouseDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #CommercialArchitecture

The article explores the increasing and creative use of color in architectural design, focusing on the application of laminated glass with colored interlayers in both interior and exterior spaces. It highlights how architects and designers are leveraging colored interlayers to achieve specific design objectives, such as influencing daylighting, aiding in wayfinding, defining distinct areas, or simply enhancing the aesthetic appeal and emotional impact of a space. The versatility of glass in architecture is attributed to advancements in its strength and performance through the incorporation of plastic interlayers. Laminated glass, created by bonding two layers of glass with a thin, flexible plastic interlayer under heat and pressure, offers enhanced durability and functionality. The article details the composition and characteristics of laminated glass, explaining that interlayers can be used with various types of glass, including annealed, heat-strengthened, or fully tempered glass, without compromising optical clarity. It notes that while heat processing can introduce some undulating waves in the glass, this is considered a characteristic and can be managed. Laminated glass finds applications in a wide range of architectural elements, such as façades, stairways, balustrades, railings, curtain walls, windows, overhead glazing, interior partitions, and various decorative features. The aesthetic advantages are broad, encompassing a spectrum from natural earth tones and contemporary neutrals to vibrant whites and all colors of the rainbow. Colored interlayers are presented as a transformative tool that can turn ordinary buildings and interiors into distinctive statement pieces. The article emphasizes the extensive design possibilities, noting the availability of over 17,000 color combinations and the capacity to layer up to four colored interlayers, leading to more than 3,000 potential transparent or translucent glass colors. This flexibility also allows for the use of two different colors to create varied visual effects on each side of the glass. These custom design options unlock virtually limitless opportunities for integrating color with functional requirements, such as safety, security, solar control, and sound damping. Furthermore, the article provides examples of building projects where designers have successfully incorporated color, including theaters, schools, hospitals, offices, retail establishments, hospitality venues, parking garages, and wayfinding systems. It reiterates the benefits of laminated glass, which include security, improved thermal performance, structural stability, sound reduction, solar management, and storm resistance. The possibility of combining or 'stacking' different interlayers allows for multiple functions to be served within a single application. The technical aspects of ensuring uniformity and minimizing optical distortion during the manufacturing process are also touched upon, with technical experts collaborating with glazing customers to achieve optimal results. Heat-strengthened glass is highlighted for its ability to resist thermal stress breakage, reduce spontaneous breakage, provide a larger break pattern, and maintain residual strength after breakage. #ArchitecturalDesign #ColoredGlass #LaminatedGlass #GlassInterlayers #BuildingMaterials #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign #ConstructionInnovation

Textile designer Suzanne Tick, drawing inspiration from architectural forms, has collaborated with glass manufacturer Skyline Design to launch the Transcend collection. This new line, debuting at NeoCon, aims to revolutionize the use of interior glass, moving beyond merely decorative applications to offer sophisticated and versatile privacy solutions. Tick, known for her work with flooring for Tarkett and upholstery for Luum Textiles, views architectural skeletons as a constant source of inspiration, which she translates into her designs. She found a unique opportunity to apply this architectural sensibility to glass, a material she often observed to be either bland or overtly decorative in interior spaces. Her goal with Transcend was to emulate the exterior characteristics of buildings and integrate them into interior environments. The Transcend collection features six distinct patterns: three geometric and three textural. These designs leverage Skyline Design's advanced etching and printing capabilities, allowing for varying degrees of transparency and opacity within the glass panels. The patterns can fade in and out, creating dynamic visual effects. A key aspect of the collection is its customizable nature; designers can combine different patterns on various glass types, including transparent, translucent, or back-painted glass. This extensive palette enables a wide array of privacy solutions, catering to diverse aesthetic and functional requirements within a space. Adding a new dimension to Skyline Design's offerings, the etched patterns of the Transcend collection can also be applied to exterior glass. This innovation facilitates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments, and between public and private zones within a building. This capability allows for a cohesive design language that extends from the building's facade to its interior partitions, blurring the traditional boundaries between these spaces. Tick emphasizes the importance of integrating discussions about privacy and openness early in the design process. She believes that glass, often considered an afterthought, should be a fundamental element in design considerations. By initiating these conversations proactively, designers can fully explore the numerous variables and possibilities that glass offers, preventing missed opportunities and ensuring that the material is utilized to its full potential. The Transcend collection serves as a testament to this philosophy, aiming to elevate glass from a simple partition to a sophisticated design element that actively contributes to the functionality and aesthetic of a space. This approach encourages a holistic view of material application, where each component is intentionally chosen to fulfill both practical and artistic objectives. #SuzanneTick #GlassDesign #SkylineDesign #NeoCon #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalGlass #PrivacySolutions #TextileDesigner #ProductLaunch

The Dutch design duo Stefan Scholten and Carole Baijings are celebrated for their innovative use of color and their ability to merge conceptual design with industrial production. Their Amsterdam studio is a vibrant space filled with their distinctive creations, ranging from textile panels in bold color combinations like hot pink and olive green to matte porcelain vases and tinted glass globes. Michael Maharam, a collaborator, likens their studio to a “candy shop for the curious eye,” reflecting the diverse array of objects designed by the firm, which includes clocks for Ikea, components for a Mini One car, and dishwasher-safe Japanese porcelain. Scholten and Baijings distinguish themselves in the typically subdued Dutch design scene through their vibrant aesthetic and their belief that creativity can coexist with manufacturing. Scholten, an alumnus of Design Academy Eindhoven, highlights the prevailing sentiment during his studies that design was either conceptual and handmade, or industrial. This perspective was heavily influenced by Droog, an influential design collective known for its postmodern, D.I.Y. approach. While Droog’s prototypes were often costly and difficult to mass-produce, many prominent Dutch designers of the past two decades were associated with the movement. Scholten humorously recalls the pressure to become a “Droog designer,” noting that the separation between creative and industrial processes seemed counterintuitive, especially considering how historical design greats integrated both. Scholten and Baijings’s partnership, both professional and personal, began in 1999. Their collaborative methodology, described by Baijings as the “atelier way of working,” emphasizes constructive thinking, hands-on experimentation with materials and colors, and a continuous evaluation of whether their ideas are effectively translating into tangible designs. This process allows them to explore new avenues simultaneously, leading to unexpected and fresh outcomes. Their three-bedroom 1920s Amsterdam home serves as a living showcase of their design philosophy. Design critic Louise Schouwenberg has described their meticulous attention to detail as “almost un-Dutch.” The house features a blend of original elements, like a marble-lined entryway and an antique Indonesian wedding chest, alongside modern renovations. The ash-green kitchen, for instance, boasts custom aluminum cabinets and a Pandomo-textured wall. Throughout their home, they create seemingly random yet thoughtfully curated arrangements of design objects and everyday items. These groupings are evident in their son’s room, where clothes are displayed like museum pieces, and in the living room, where timeless objects such as a Josef Hoffmann tea set intermingle with personal mementos and design prototypes, both successful and failed. Each item in their home, as Scholten explains, carries a narrative, contributing to the overall story of their lives and work. The duo continues to expand their influence, with plans to unveil a furniture collection with Herman Miller and curate an exhibition on Japanese porcelain at the Rijksmuseum, demonstrating how their refined style opens up new creative possibilities. #ScholtenBaijings #DutchDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorTheory #ProductDesign #IndustrialDesign #HomeDecor #CreativeProcess #Amsterdam

The article revisits the architectural material of glass bricks, highlighting their resurgence in contemporary design. Initially gaining popularity in 1977, as noted by Carter B. Horsley in a New York Times article, glass bricks were appreciated for their translucence, privacy, visual appeal, and structural order in residential and restaurant projects. However, after a period of widespread use, the material became associated with the dated aesthetics of the 1980s, leading to a decline in its perceived value. Despite this historical perception, contemporary architects are now re-evaluating and re-integrating glass bricks into modern designs. This renewed interest stems from their unique properties, which allow for innovative applications across various architectural contexts. The material offers a balance of natural light penetration and visual obstruction, making it suitable for spaces requiring both openness and privacy. Modern architects are employing glass bricks in diverse projects, moving beyond their previous utilitarian roles. Examples include their use in sleek, minimalist bathrooms where they contribute to a sense of spaciousness while maintaining privacy, and in industrial-themed bars and restaurants, where they add a distinctive textural and luminous quality. The material is also being incorporated into vintage residential windows, blending historical charm with contemporary functionality. Furthermore, glass bricks are finding applications in experimental urban facades, where they contribute to dynamic and visually engaging building exteriors. The versatility of glass bricks allows them to create different aesthetic effects, from smooth and uniform surfaces to more textured and fragmented appearances, depending on the type and arrangement of the blocks. Their ability to diffuse and transmit light without offering clear views makes them ideal for interior partitions, exterior walls, and decorative elements where controlled light and a sense of enclosure are desired. This adaptability supports a wide range of architectural styles and design intentions. The comeback of glass bricks signifies a shift in architectural trends, where previously overlooked or stigmatized materials are being re-imagined and utilized in innovative ways. This trend reflects a broader architectural movement towards material exploration and the re-evaluation of established construction components. The article suggests that the current "boom" of glamorous glass bricks is not merely a nostalgic revival but a sophisticated re-introduction driven by their inherent qualities and the creative approaches of modern designers, who are harnessing the material's potential to meet contemporary design challenges and aesthetic preferences. #GlassBrick #Architecture #MaterialInnovation #ContemporaryDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #CommercialArchitecture #GlassFacade #DesignTrends #BuildingMaterials

The article highlights six new collections that showcase the enduring appeal and versatility of glass in contemporary design. These works demonstrate designers' fascination with the fragile material, utilizing rigorous techniques to create both decorative and functional pieces. The featured collections primarily come from emerging designers who are challenging and elevating traditional glassmaking practices. One of the highlighted collections is Agmes Anniversary, a collaboration between jewelry brand Agmes and glass artist Anthony Bianco of Bianco Light & Space. This collection marks Agmes's sixth anniversary and includes an organically shaped handblown bud vase and a textured small dish, available in various colors, alongside personal accessories that revisit an earlier glass jewelry line. Another notable collection is PhilaTerra, a charitable initiative by Colony, a New York City-based cooperative design gallery, creative firm, and studio, in collaboration with artist Deborah Czeresko. Czeresko, a winner of Netflix's 'Blown Away,' produced a limited edition of 100 glass vases, some colorless and others vibrantly hued, designed by Colony founder Jean Lin. Proceeds from the PhilaTerra collection support the Environmental Defense Fund and the Rainforest Foundation US. Heath Ceramics, known for its experimental and collaborative approach beyond clay, partnered with glassblower Cedric Mitchell for a new collection. Mitchell, based in Los Angeles, created a series of elegant bottles and vases with subtle Memphis influences, as well as jewel-toned cocktail stirring glasses and tumblers. Mitchell is also an instructor and a team member of Crafting the Future, a nonprofit that funds young talent for craft school experiences to promote diversity in the field. Sophie Lou Jacobsen, a sustainably-minded glassware designer, introduced her "Asking for a Friend" collection at Assembly Line in Brooklyn. This collection, on display through July 1, features Jacobsen’s distinctive silhouetted works, which were produced at Keep Brooklyn’s studio. The "Vetro Alga" exhibition by multidisciplinary designer Dana Arbib, curated by Alex Tieghi-Walker’s Tiwa Select, was showcased during New York Design Week at Galerie Michael Bargo. Arbib's work explores her Libyan heritage through glass, collaborating with Venetian artisans to honor Venice's rich glassblowing history. The collection, whose name means "seaweed glass" in Italian, draws inspiration from her distant relative Salvatore Arbib, a prominent Venetian glassblower from the early 20th century, resulting in textured vessels and bowls made in Murano. Finally, Swedish artist Annika Jarring's Line vase is recognized for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. Jarring’s innovative technique involves shaping 392 small glass elements with silicone to create an architectural vessel. Inspired by the ornamental jade pieces of ancient Chinese burial suits, this sculptural piece is one of 30 works shortlisted for the prize and will be exhibited at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. #GlassDesign #HomeDecor #ContemporaryGlassware #DesignCollections #EmergingDesigners #ArtisanCraftsmanship #InteriorDesignTrends #CharitableDesign #GlassArt

Architect Luke Lowings of Carpenter Lowings, in collaboration with American sculptor James Carpenter, designed a patterned glass staircase that serves as the focal point of a newly renovated apartment in Hong Kong. This striking 5.5-meter-tall structure spans both stories of the apartment, leading up to a rooftop terrace that offers views of the bay. Integrated above the staircase is a four-meter-wide skylight that not only floods the interior with natural light but also features a hydraulic mechanism, allowing it to fold open for roof access. Lowings emphasizes the staircase's dual function: it acts as a subtle yet significant sculptural element, enhancing the aesthetic appeal, and plays a practical role in modulating daylight. This design helps to mitigate the harsh glare and intense heat characteristic of the Hong Kong climate. The staircase is engineered to appear weightless, contributing to an ethereal ambiance rather than dominating the living areas. The design ensures that natural light from the skylight is reflected from the structural glass panels and diffused through the transparent treads, extending deep into the lower floor of the apartment. This approach maximizes light penetration in compact spaces, transforming them into bright and inviting areas. The skylight is equipped with sensors that prevent it from closing on obstructions and activate automatic closure during strong winds. An alarm system is also in place to alert residents when the glass door is closing, preventing accidental entrapment on the roof. When the skylight is closed, it frames a view of the sky, which is mirrored in two large structural glass screens flanking the staircase. These glass screens are adorned with a linear pattern designed to evoke the appearance of falling rain. This pattern, combined with the reflections and the veined marble surfaces throughout the hall, creates a subtly disorienting visual effect. The staircase itself is constructed from heat-strengthened laminated glass, with minimal titanium fittings joining its components. Each stair tread comprises three layers of glass and is supported by only three fittings, further contributing to its minimalist and transparent aesthetic. Carpenter and Lowings, who established their studio in 2001, have a history of collaborating on glass installations, including notable projects for Norman Foster's Hearst Tower and Grimshaw's Fulton Street Station in New York. The project's success is also attributed to the contributions of structural engineer Eckersley O'Callaghan, executive engineer C M Wong, interior design firm AB Concept, lighting design by Sirius Lighting, staircase fabrication by Sedak GmbH, and skylight production by MEIA. Photography for the project was provided by Kitmin Lee, Edmon Leong, and Carpenter Lowings. #HongKongApartment #GlassStaircase #SkylightDesign #CarpenterLowings #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #NaturalLighting #ModernInteriors

Once primarily associated with religious institutions or antique lamps, stained glass is experiencing a modern resurgence as a distinctive element in home design. This traditional art form is being reimagined beyond its conventional applications, offering homeowners unique ways to incorporate color and visual interest into their living spaces. The renewed interest in stained glass is evidenced by a significant increase in online searches, with platforms like Etsy reporting a 69 percent rise in relevant searches over the past six months, highlighting a growing trend in contemporary interior design. Modern applications of stained glass are diverse, ranging from subtle accents to prominent architectural features. Instead of being confined to small suncatchers, designers are now integrating stained glass into full-sized doors and windows, transforming them into vibrant focal points. This allows for a creative blend of art and functionality, providing both aesthetic appeal and an element of privacy, especially for street-facing windows. The abstract patterns and subtle color compositions found in contemporary stained glass art depart from the elaborate, traditional designs, offering a fresh aesthetic that appeals to a modern sensibility. Several approaches cater to different levels of commitment and budget. For those with an affinity for abstract art, incorporating stained glass panels with subtle colors into windows can enhance curb appeal and add a unique artistic touch to a home's exterior. Alternatively, a stained glass accent wall can replace traditional paint, creating a striking visual impact, particularly in areas like entryways or dining rooms, where the interplay of light and color can transform the ambiance of a space. This method provides an artistic backdrop without the need for traditional wall coverings. For individuals hesitant about permanent installations, smaller, impactful applications are possible. For instance, customized glass rondels integrated into front doors offer a charming and understated way to introduce stained glass. Budget-conscious decorators can explore DIY options, such as creating faux stained glass panels for windows using glass paint, allowing for creative color combinations and gradients without significant expense or professional installation. These DIY projects enable personalization and a hands-on approach to home decoration. Furthermore, sourcing vintage or antique stained glass sheets from flea markets or stores presents an opportunity to incorporate a piece of history into a modern home. These found pieces can be secured in windows with minimal construction, providing an effortless way to add character. For those seeking to make a bold statement, entire sets of French doors can be transformed into expansive stained glass mosaics. This dramatic use of stained glass can invigorate a space, such as a galley kitchen, especially when complemented by elements like butcher block counters and rustic lighting, creating an immersive and colorful environment that feels both historic and contemporary. #StainedGlass #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtInstallation #DesignTrends #DIYHomeDecor #ArchitecturalFeatures #ModernDesign

Glass bricks, originally popularized in the 1930s by architects like Pierre Chareau and Arne Korsmo, and later embraced by Tadao Ando in the 1970s, are experiencing a resurgence in interior design. This lookbook presents ten contemporary projects that highlight the versatility and aesthetic appeal of glass-block walls in various settings, demonstrating their ability to manipulate light and shadow while providing privacy and unique visual effects. The featured projects showcase how these glazed masonry units can illuminate and transform interior spaces, ranging from compact bathrooms and hallways to restaurants, co-working offices, and residential dwellings. Among the examples is Maido, a sushi restaurant in London designed by Child Studio, which converted a 1960s post office. The design incorporates a semi-circular glass-block wall that pays homage to the building's modernist origins, complemented by dark cherry wood and a soft-blue coffered ceiling. In Hiroshima, Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP's Optical Glass House features a towering, two-storey wall of 6,000 specially crafted glass bricks. This innovative partition separates the house and its planted courtyard from the busy city streets, creating a play of shadows and refractions that extend into the living spaces, which can open completely to the garden. Remi Connolly-Taylor's self-designed London home, Maryland House, utilizes glazed inserts in a small statement staircase and as a balustrade for an adjacent balcony. These glass bricks filter light into the interior, maintaining privacy while ensuring sunlight reaches two bright-white bedrooms. Buckle Street Studios, a hotel in east London by Grzywinski+Pons, features a glass-brick facade with radiused corners on its top floors, giving the building a lantern-like appearance at night. The interior guest suites echo these curves with custom-made furniture designed to fit the rounded corners. In Athens, Studio Andrew Trotter transformed a 1970s warehouse into 10AM Lofts, a bright and sunny event space. The renovation involved replacing a significant portion of a concrete wall with glass masonry and inserting new windows on the ground floor, enhancing natural light. The Glass-Block Micro House in Ho Chi Minh City, designed by ROOM+ Design & Build, is a Dezeen Awards-shortlisted renovation where frosted glass bricks entirely replace the walls, even in the second-floor bathroom. This design choice transformed a dark and cramped space into a private, sun-dappled sanctuary. Spacial, a co-working space in Montreal by Ivy Studio, employs a glazed-block wall to delineate public and private office areas while allowing light to permeate. The interior predominantly features a greyscale palette, accented by large circular blue mirrors and a zinc-plated reception desk. Jun Murata's Diamant Glass Art Gallery in Japan utilizes glass bricks of various textures and translucencies to create shimmering refractions, mimicking light filtered through water. The sparsely furnished interior, including a classic Barcelona chair, allows the glass wall to be the focal point for temporary product displays. J Boroski, a bar in Shanghai by Atelier XY, incorporates a glazed wall that bisects the space, separating the main bar from an intimate lounge. This wall also serves as a ledge for drinks and is part of an unusual interior design reflecting the owner's fascination with insects, including a display of preserved tarantulas. Finally, the Vizor office in Minsk, Belarus, by Studio 11, reinterprets Soviet-era design. A snaking wall of glass blocks, combined with a deep red colour palette, geometric flooring, and hanging ferns, integrates traditional elements into a modern workplace. These diverse projects collectively demonstrate the enduring appeal and adaptive qualities of glass bricks in contemporary interior architecture. #GlassBricks #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturalTrends #LightAndShadow #RenovationProjects #HomeDecor #CommercialInteriors #SustainableDesign

Windows are essential architectural elements that create a dialogue between interior spaces and the outdoors. In densely populated urban areas, where traditional windows may be limited, skylights have emerged as a significant alternative, providing light, air, and a view of the sky. This article explores innovative approaches to windows and skylights in various architectural projects across the subcontinent, showcasing how architects are reinterpreting these features to enhance living spaces. One example is SYSTEM Architects' project, Jeebon-Anondo, where circular skylights and window-like openings were incorporated. Principal architect Enamul Karim Nirjhar explains that the circular concept symbolizes drops of tears, light, and rain, connecting to a moment and introducing light, water, and drama into the living areas. Similarly, for Animesh Nayak of Open To Sky, the skylight in his Bodoland project acts as a “clock,” marking time by interacting with the moving sun to create dynamic light patterns within the house. Noor Khan's Six Courtyards House in Lahore features an elongated, rectangular skylight that transforms the experience of climbing the staircase, serving as a focal point and demonstrating the architect's sensitivity to how the sky meets the roof. In Dhaka, Bangladesh, architect Rafiq Azam of Shatotto designed an “oculus” in the roof of the traditional Bengali goshshaghor, a space for contemplation. This oculus frames the urban skyline and sky, interweaving them with exposed concrete walls and green vines, thus framing one's mind and soul. The Tomoe Villa by NOTE at Alibag incorporates angular windows designed to act as picture frames, capturing specific views and trees from the surrounding landscape. Principal architect Hemant Purohit describes these windows as an abstraction of leaves, subconsciously integrating nature into the design. In a unique request, Matra Architects and Rurban Planners designed two identical buildings without traditional windows for artist homeowners. Instead, daylight permeates through various vertical and horizontal incisions in the blocks, with a skylight illuminating the staircase, creating an immersive experience. Lastly, the S House addresses privacy concerns with tinted, one-way glass windows, a client request due to an unappealing neighborhood view. To compensate for the reduced outward visibility, architect Sujit Nair of SDeG introduced an atrium in the interiors, ensuring ample light while maintaining privacy. These diverse projects highlight how architects are rethinking conventional window and skylight designs to address functional needs, artistic expressions, and specific site conditions, ultimately enriching the inhabitants' experience of their homes. #WindowDesign #SkylightArchitecture #ArchitecturalInnovation #HomeDesign #NaturalLight #UrbanArchitecture #PrivacySolutions #ModernHomes

Glass railing designs for balconies have gained significant traction, offering a blend of sophistication and elegance to contemporary homes and buildings. The transparent nature of glass railings provides unobstructed views and enhances natural light within the space. These designs prioritize both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, utilizing tempered or laminated glass for durability and safety in various settings. This comprehensive guide explores diverse modern glass railing concepts, aiming to seamlessly integrate safety with style and complement a variety of architectural styles. One featured design incorporates sleek polished stainless steel and transparent glass panels, presenting a sophisticated balcony railing solution. The stainless steel frame ensures robust durability and a mirror-like finish that interacts with the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic interplay of light and space. This design prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, facilitating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor living areas. Another option highlights architectural craftsmanship, where intricate details merge with glass transparency. This design showcases precision and creativity through ornate patterns, elevating the sophistication of any outdoor space. The delicate adornments transform the balcony into a luxurious retreat, offering an exceptional viewing experience. Further designs emphasize organic beauty and functional integration, drawing inspiration from natural motifs such as entwining flowers. Crafted with precision, these railings mimic natural harmony, creating a visual triumph that suits various architectural styles. The combination of sturdy metalwork and artistic finesse guarantees long-lasting durability, inviting nature's essence into the living space. A striking design also focuses on minimalism, featuring clean lines, transparency, and architectural finesse. A sleek stainless-steel frame provides unobstructed views, enhancing openness and fluidity. Tempered glass panels connect the indoor and outdoor environments, allowing ample natural light while maintaining privacy. The simplicity of this design not only improves visual appeal but also ensures safety and longevity. Floral glass railing designs combine steel, glass, and flower motifs to create masterpieces of creative craftsmanship. Red, yellow, and green hues in the flower patterns add a touch of luxury, while symmetrical lines bring order and balance to the balcony. This design transforms exterior spaces into sanctuaries of art and dignity, transcending mere functionality. Symmetric glass railing designs for balconies merge minimalist aesthetics with understated glass allure, offering a tranquil urban retreat. Integrated symmetrical crossings within the sturdy framework create a subtle yet impactful presence. These designs establish a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor realms, preserving privacy while flooding the space with natural light. Functional artistry is evident in another captivating design that uses steel and glass. Clean lines and an uncluttered form epitomize modern living. The contrast between the sturdy metal framework and open spaces creates a unique visual dynamic, enriching the surrounding environment. Its unobtrusive presence accentuates natural beauty while providing reliable safety. Contemporary balcony glass railing designs feature a harmonious blend of metal and crystal-clear glass, creating a sophisticated outdoor sanctuary. The metal frame supports transparent glass panels, forming an ethereal barrier that connects the space with its surroundings. This fusion of functionality and aesthetics ensures that every view through the glass becomes a framed appreciation of the environment. Ornate SS glass railing designs for balconies demonstrate the enduring charm of ornate glass combined with stainless steel refinement. Subtle, elaborate patterns on the glass panels add detailed beauty and a captivating visual contrast. The understated presence provides durability and modernity, allowing the ornate glass to be the focal point, inviting tranquility and connection with the surroundings. Purple flower glass railing designs transcend ordinary railings, showcasing an ethereal charm that combines art and architecture. Translucent glass adorned with intricate purple flowers and soft circles creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow. These delicate blossoms bring nature's vitality to the outdoor space, offering serenity and wonder. Blooming flowers balcony glass railing designs flawlessly blend form, function, and the ethereal charisma of flowers. Translucent glass panels infuse the balcony with an enchanting glow, while delicate, intricate flowers bloom with endless delight. The careful detailing evokes serenity, connecting occupants to the outdoors while maintaining a contemporary edge, capturing nature’s grace within a sleek architectural canvas. A stem and leaf motif glass railing design blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, inviting nature's beauty inside. The fine quality of the glass allows light to filter through, while meticulously etched stem and leaf motifs integrate seamlessly with the surroundings. This design transports one to a realm where tranquility and artistry intertwine. Tangled squares balcony glass railing designs exemplify artistic finesse and architectural innovation, redefining elegance with interwoven symmetrical figures. Each figure intertwines to form an intricate tapestry of order and harmony, creating a mesmerizing visual narrative of balance and precision. Every curve and line signifies innovation and beauty, transforming the space into a captivating haven. Simple glass railing designs prioritize simplicity and class, blending architectural advancement with aesthetic appeal. A sleek stainless steel frame with clean lines and a polished finish exudes sophistication. Its robust structure provides durability and complements transparent glass panels, offering an unobstructed view and fostering a connection with the outdoors. Finally, transparent balcony glass railing designs merge function and aesthetics, redefining architectural brilliance. The transparent glass panels create an ethereal visual effect, allowing unobstructed views and fostering an open, spacious ambiance. This design integrates with the living experience, inviting natural light and embracing the beauty beyond the doorstep. These diverse glass railing designs collectively offer attractive and user-centric options to enhance the aesthetic and atmosphere of outdoor areas, ensuring durability, security, and a contemporary, refined ambiance. #GlassRailingDesigns #BalconyDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #StainlessSteel #TemperedGlass #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalFinesse

The Shenzhen Art High School, designed by O-office Architects, is a new educational facility located in Luohu, Shenzhen, China. This project, with an area of 38,876 square meters and completed in 2025, addresses the challenges of high-density urban environments by implementing a spatial superposition strategy. The architects aimed to integrate the school with its surrounding natural landscape, which was often overlooked in earlier urban planning efforts in Luohu. The design seeks to foster a more humane and responsive educational environment, moving beyond purely functional and efficient planning that treated individuals merely as objects of efficiency. The school's design emphasizes the interaction between students, teachers, and their environment. The concept of "spatial superposition" allows for a multi-layered arrangement of functions and spaces, maximizing the utility of a compact urban site while creating diverse learning and recreational areas. The architecture moves away from the traditional, rigid school campus layout, instead proposing a more fluid and interconnected series of volumes that respond to the specific needs of an art high school, where creative expression and interdisciplinary learning are paramount. The project incorporates various architectural elements and materials such as glass, steel, and concrete, contributing to a modern and durable aesthetic. The use of these materials also reflects contemporary architectural practices for educational buildings, balancing transparency, structural integrity, and environmental considerations. The design team, led by Principal Architects He Jianxiang and Jiang Ying, collaborated with several consultants for structural, façade, lighting, and signage design, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the project's execution. Key photographic documentation was provided by Chao Zhang and Siming Wu, highlighting the completed structure and its urban context. The Shenzhen Art High School is situated in a region characterized by rapid urban development and a historical lack of emphasis on human-centric design in its early stages. This project endeavors to rectify that by offering a model for how educational institutions can be developed within dense urban fabrics to provide enriching experiences for students. The design integrates various functional spaces for art education, general academics, and student life, fostering a holistic learning environment. The approach taken by O-office Architects reflects a commitment to creating spaces that are not only efficient but also inspire creativity and connect users with their surroundings, contributing to a more sustainable and vibrant urban future. #HighSchool #EducationalArchitecture #Shenzhen #China #OOfficeArchitects #SpatialSuperposition #UrbanDevelopment #GlassArchitecture #SteelConstruction #ConcreteDesign