Today I am looking at The Art of Glass Engraving, a short video featuring glass artist, Nancy Sutcliffe. The video was filmed by Maitri Somaia at Nancy’s studio in Dubai.
The Art of Glass Engraving from Maitri on Vimeo.
Today I am looking at the upcoming conference, the 7TH ENERGY FORUM on Solar Building Skins. The conference will be held in Bressanone, Italy, 06-07 December 2012. Following is a summary of 3 of the topics that will be presented at the conference along with a press release for the event.
image provided by The Dyesol.com
The use of photovoltaics (PV) is not only limited to generating electricity but can, in fact, also play a major part in energy-saving strategies. With respect to daylight control, in particular, semi-transparent photovoltaics provide a wide range of façade applications.
The transparency of crystalline-based solar modules is determined by the distance between each cell: the closer the cells to each other, the higher the total photovoltaic output of the panels. In the course of a research project carried out at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, Germany), scientists have investigated and compared the energy efficiency of three buildings with façade-integrated PV, located in Fortaleza (North Brazil), Florianopolis (South Brazil), and Frankfurt a. Main (Germany). All façades of the three buildings contained windows with integrated semi-transparent crystalline solar cells. Since the transparency of all PV windows was only 30%, significant energy savings were achieved during the summer months due to a reduced need for cooling. At the same time, more energy had to be spent on artificial lighting inside the building. “However, we were able to counter this side effect by installing a lighting control system,” explains Evelise Didoné, one of the researchers at the KIT.
An entirely different way to control the transparency of photovoltaic building façades involves the use of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Unlike common silicon solar panels, the photoactive layers of DSCs use photoactive dyes to convert light into electricity. The fact that the organic photoactive layers used in DSCs are extremely thin, enables the manufacturing of solar panels with different transparency levels determinable by selecting different colors and thickness of materials. Rossella Corrao of the Department of Architecture at the University of Palermo, Italy, explains: “Although DSC modules have only eight percent efficiency compared to twenty percent of silicon panels, they can actually generate up to 15% more energy annually, compared with crystalline panels of identical KW. The reason for this is that DSC modules are more efficient under low-light conditions. Unlike silicon-based systems, the efficiency of DSCs does not depend on the light’s angle of incidence. Therefore, DSC modules don’t necessarily have to be pointed towards the sun; they can also be mounted in vertical or horizontal orientation without losing out on efficiency.”
Moreover, using DSCs in conjunction with glass façades “enables a two-way application of the façade-integrated PV elements by utilizing sunlight sources outside a building as well as any artificial light sources inside the building, thereby significantly extending the daily operating period of the system,” Corrao continues. Corrao’s current research at the University of Palermo includes developing innovative solutions to boost the light absorption properties of building components. One of her research projects investigates whether glass block-integrated DSCs lower the thermal resistance (R-value) of the material to an extent that matches future EU building regulations. Corrao’s findings show that increasing the number of cavities within a glass block from one to two or more leads to a further reduction of the R-value. Furthermore, using DSCs to create these additional cavities in glass blocks is definitely an option. Glass blocks with integrated DSCs could, therefore, not only be used for electricity generation but would also provide much better insulation properties than ordinary standard glass blocks.
Computer simulations predicting the direct impact of color and transparency on the photovoltaic efficiency of DSCs are an important tool when it comes to the design of zero energy buildings. Janne Halme, professor at the Aalto University in Espoo, Finland, investigates the optimization of DSCs in terms of usability and power generation. In this context, Halme focuses on new ways of integrating DSCs in building designs rather than trying to optimize the cell efficiency. Transparency of the PV windows and the role of the esthetic appeal of the façade prevail over efficiency. Halme: “DSC efficiency has to take a back seat.”
All three scientists mentioned above will present their results in detail at the 7TH ENERGY FORUM on Solar Building Skins, held in Bressanone, Italy, 06-07 December 2012. The conference also features presentations by Dieter Moor (Arconsol, Linz, Austria) on strategies for optimizing semi-transparent PV windows under performance and cost considerations, and by Livio Nichilio (University of Toronto, Canada) on strategies to increase the energy efficiency of buildings by using façades with integrating PV and heat-mirror glass. A detailed program of the conference is available online at www.energy-forum.com.
– Summary provided by Andreas Karweger, General Manager, Economic Forum, Munich – Bolzano
Image provided by Dyesol.com
Munich, October 2012. The focus of the 7th ENERGY FORUM will be on the newest developments in the building sector. Renowned architects, planning consultants and representatives from the building and solar industries will meet with scientists from around the world in Bressanone, Italy, 6th-7th December 2012.
Apart from the newest developments in solar energy technologies and futuristic concepts such as “adaptive building skins“, the participants will be introduced to actual projects, as well as software and planning tools for the simulation of passive houses.
Harvesting energy from the building skin
On the first day of the conference Tilmann Kuhn, head of the Department for Solar Façade at the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg, Germany, will present new solar components for the integration into the building envelope. “From 2020 new EU laws will require new buildings to be constructed in such a way that they actually achieve a zero energy balance. In smaller buildings this can be achieved easily with the help of insulation and solar systems on the roof. However, when it comes to larger buildings, just utilizing the roof space is simply not enough,” Kuhn continues. “This is where the entire building skin, including the façade, becomes interesting, especially from an economic point of view. The demand for surfaces that can be used to produce solar energy is rising. The huge surface area of building skins can be used most effectively to produce cost effective energy with the help of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.”
Important international meeting place for the entire industry
The ENERGY FORUM is highly recognized in the solar and construction industry. Participants travel to the ENERGY FORUM from all over Europe, Asia, North- and South America to exchange views and ideas in Bressanone. Mike Stadt, Product Manager of Solarion, Leipzig, explains: “The ENERGY FORUM is an international platform that allows us to create contacts beyond our own disciplines. Here we can meet all the relevant target groups as far as building skins are concerned, all in one place!”
Solar City Bressanone as the venue
Bressanoneis the ideal venue for such a future-oriented conference about renewable energies. The town has made the use of renewable energy the centerpiece of its energy policy: “This is an ambitious goal, which we are approaching step by step in our project Solar City Bressanone,“ says town counselor Dr Peter Brunner. The development of a “Solar City“ is an interdisciplinary cross-sectional task. Its implementation requires the involvement of a number of stakeholders: public institutions, industry, science, urban planners, architects, environmental agencies, media and, of course, the people of the city themselves. Brunner explains: “All of those interest groups find an international platform at the ENERGY FORUM, which they can use to get up-to-date on the latest developments, to exchange ideas and to develop new and innovative concepts together. Those concepts are of utmost importance at a time where the worldwide economic crisis demands that everybody gets involved; not just experts and planners, but those with political responsibility, too.”
Between the presentations there will be poster-sessions to introduce newsworthy projects from the solar energy and green building sectors. The poster discussions also offer an interesting network opportunity to communicate intensively with fellow participants. In the past, this has led to cooperation among the participants and to new product developments.
ENERGY FORUM
The ENERGY FORUM on Solar Building Skins has been organized by the Economic Forum since 2006. The main objective of the conference is to contribute to a multidisciplinary, integrated planning approach to sustainable buildings, and to create a dialogue among architects, engineers, scientists, energy managers and manufacturers with the aim of reducing energy consumption while improving the comfort and health of building occupants.
The conference will explore strategies for saving energy and will present new ways of integrating renewable energy technologies into multifunctional building elements to achieve affordable netzero and green buildings.
Simultaneous translations into Italian and English will be available for all presentations.
The registration fee for the ENERGY FORUM is € 480, and includes meals during the day, as well as the comprehensive conference documentation. Participants who register by 15th October will receive a 10% discount. Further information and registration under http://www.energy-forum.com/
Today I am looking at Seattle upcycle artist, Russ Morgan.
Seattle’s Upcycle Artist Russ Morgan has been working with recycled materials and thinking GREEN for nearly 40 years. He’s currently making chandeliers, lamps, and wall sconces incorporating vintage cups, vases and other thrift store finds. He also breaks and tumbles colorful patterned glass for a beach glass effect that he hand wires and assembles for custom pieces.
Upcycled Chandelier by Seattle artist, Russ Morgan
Upcycled Chandelier by Seattle artist, Russ Morgan
Upcycled Chandelier by Seattle artist, Russ Morgan
Upcycled Chandelier by Seattle artist, Russ Morgan
Upcycled lamp by Seattle artist, Russ Morgan
Upcycled wall sconce by Seattle artist, Russ Morgan
CLICK HERE to watch a video featuring Russ and his lights.
I had a busy and productive week. I will rest my head tonight knowing that I did the best that I could.
photo via Pinterest
I hope you had a productive week. Take time this weekend to rest and admire your hard work.
I’ll see you back here on Monday.
Patricia
Today I am looking at the Paul Hamlyn Hall Champagne Bar and Balconies Restaurant. The Paul Hamlyn Hall is located in the Royal Opera House and is nothing less than spectacular. Recently, I saw a photo from London Fashion Week that was taken in this hall and needless to say, I was immediately smitten.
Paul Hamlyn Hall Champagne Bar, photo via Royal Opera House
A unique collaboration with Ruinart Champagne, the Paul Hamlyn Hall Champagne Bar is what many people instantly think of when they hear about the Royal Opera House. Enjoying a glass of chilled, crisp champagne before curtain up or during the interval is, for many people, a part of the ritual and enjoyment of a night at the opera or ballet. So, too, is a plate of our smoked salmon, prepared exclusively to our unique recipe by Severn and Wye.
– Royal Opera House
View of the Paul Hamlyn Hall Champagne Bar from the Balconies Restaurant, photo via Royal Opera House
Paul Hamlyn Hall Champagne Bar, photo via Royal Opera House
Want to know more about this amazing space? RIBA London will be hosting a tour, Design Bites At the Royal Opera House, October 25, 2012.
Co-led by Mike Lucy of Company of Cooks and Mark Bithrey, Creative Director from B3 Designers|, this tour will focus on the innovative mobile 13.5m long champagne bar that dominates the Paul Hamlyn Hall.
– RIBA
Once a part of Covent Garden flower market, the spectacular, glass-vaulted Paul Hamlyn Hall has a definite ‘wow’ factor. At gallery level, the Balconies Restaurant provides a stunning, modern space at the heart of the Royal Opera House. Amid the energy and excitement of world-class opera and ballet productions, the Paul Hamlyn Hall Balconies Restaurant offers spectacular views, superb, friendly service and a luxurious modern European menu that, like the Paul Hamlyn Hall itself, combines the very best of old and new.
– Royal Opera House
Paul Hamlyn Hall Balconies Restaurant, photo via Royal Opera House
Paul Hamlyn Hall Balconies Restaurant, photo via Royal Opera House
And speaking of London…
This afternoon at 4pm ET, 9pm UK, we will be talking about London Design Festival 2012 with UK designer, Elisa Curillo of Elisa Interiors. Elisa attended the festival and will share her finds with those of us that could not attend. If you tweet and you would like to join us use hashtag #glasschat. We would love for you to join us!
Today I am getting my Paris fashion couture on…
Paris Glass Hat, photo by Phil Oh
I know, I can’t believe it, either. It is a glass hat. Hold it, something is fishy here (haha) …
It seems to me that glass would be a bit heavy, don’t you agree? Plexi or Lexan? If it is in fact, a glass hat, She must have a very strong neck and the part that fits her head must be super glued on.
Anyway, Kudos! I applaud the creativity and I think that the fish are lovely!
I found this photo on the Pleasurephoto blog. The photo was taken by photographer, Phil Oh. Phil has a site, Street Peeper that features all kinds of fashion shots taken on the street.
Today I am looking at the recycled Glass Hang Square Vase by Arhaus Furniture. I found a video that shows the making process for these cute wall vases. By hanging the vases in multiples and changing out the contents you can create different looks to your wall art.
During the 19th century, interior décor reflected a growing fascination with natural elements. Glass “wall pockets” commonly embellished the spaces of well-appointed homes, adding a decorative touch while encouraging the gentle rooting of tiny plants. Inspired by these pieces, the sheer, sparkling beauty of hand-blown, recycled glass creates the perfect home for small plants and dried flowers, or group several unadorned as an elegant collection.
-Arhaus Furniture
Glass Hang Square Vase by Arhaus Furniture
CLICK HERE to watch the video.
First off today, thanks for being patient with me on Thursday and Friday. I’m blaming the fact that I published Friday’s blog without the usual Friday format on the cold medication :-). I do hope that you had an amazing weekend. I am back today and starting the week feeling strong and healthy. So let’s get to it.
I found some great photos from The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch in Palo Alto, CA taken by photographer John Krzesinski via his Flikr photo set. It looks like this year’s patch was no disappointment. You can see more of John’s pumpkin patch photos on Flikr here or on John’s website here.
The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, Palo Alto, CA, photo © John Krzesinski, 2012
The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, Palo Alto, CA, photo © John Krzesinski, 2012
The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, Palo Alto, CA, photo © John Krzesinski, 2012
The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, Palo Alto, CA, photo © John Krzesinski, 2012
The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, Palo Alto, CA, photo © John Krzesinski, 2012
The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, Palo Alto, CA, photo © John Krzesinski, 2012
Today I am looking at Italian sustainable product company, Slow Design. Slow Design sells a selection of objects and accessories eco-sustainable, responsible, which focuses on artisans, designers and small manufacturers, the use of natural materials or recycled, for those who want to make a small contribution to the preservation of this planet.
Slow Design currently sells a line of recycled glass and wood products that I love. These products have a strong organic feel to them. They are earthy and elegant.
Fiasco by Slow Design
Fiasco
Recycled glass container with engraved number “5”. closure in beech wood hand turned, which can be used as a container.
Trio, Slow Design
Trio
Series of containers recycled glass and beech wood. Engravings with numbers 1 – 2 – 3.
Caraffa, Slow Design
Close Up of Caraffa, Slow Design
Caraffa
Recycled glass carafe and beech. Engravings of verses of G. D’Annunzio: Water of the mountain …
Custom, customizable product
Achoo. I am calling a bloggers holiday today. Achoo
In the meantime, here is a timely post from October 29, 2010 that you might have missed.
UPDATE:
The Palo Alto Arts Center 17th Annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch SALE
Saturday, September 30-Sunday, October 1, 2012
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Rinconada Park, 777 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA
Before I get started, I want to share a few pictures of my gate arbor. Around my house, the leaves are changing color and in some cases, falling off of the trees. Fall is in the air. I’ve been watching the morning glories on the arbor in bloom. The weather service is predicting a frost for this weekend and I’m afraid that will be the end of the blooms for this year. These pictures have nothing to do with looking at glass. I will get to that in a minute. I just couldn’t resist sharing their color with you first.
Okay, let’s discuss glass…
Don’t you hate it when you find out about a great event after it has taken place? Each year, the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch event is held at the Palo Alto Arts Center in Palo Alto, California. Thanks to Dutchbaby’s blog post from October 23, 2010, I found out about this event. Over 30 glass artisans displayed 8,000 hand-blown pumpkins. I am disappointed that I didn’t know about this event sooner. You can be sure I will be watching the Art Center’s website for next year’s event dates. Here are a few pictures from this year’s event.
photos by Dutchbaby
Aren’t the pumpkins spectacular? Definitely go on over to Dutchbaby’s blog for more pictures and information about the event.
The only thing that would make my gate arbor look better than it did this year would be a few colorful glass pumpkins to go with it next year!
Today I am looking back at the Fifth International Festival of Glass.
The Fifth International Festival of Glass was held in Stourbridge August 24-27, 2012.
The International Festival of Glass is the only UK based Festival celebrating the spectacle, drama and excitement of glassmaking, attracting visitors from around the world. Taking place every two years in the Stourbridge Glass Quarter, it features world class exhibitions, glass ‘masterclasses’ in a range of techniques, and a four day Glass Festival to inspire, fascinate and amaze both artists and the public alike.
-International Festival Of Glass
During the event and shortly after, I watched various blogs and tweets about the event. It made me wish I was there. I was happy to find a video posted on Vimeo this week that gives me an up close view of the event. It’s the next best thing to being there.
I cannot embed the video into this blog. Click the link below and you will be transferred to Vimeo to watch the video.
The International Festival of Glass from Bangarang Productions on Vimeo.
My name is Patricia Linthicum and I love design. I adore creative function and form using glass. This blog is a place for me to explore and share glass used in interior design and architecture.
Looking At Glass 