Innovative glass structure wows at Glasstec

Pushing the limitations of glass even further, Arup has designed and constructed an innovative 5.0m high cold bent glass structure that has been unveiled at leading industry event Glasstec in Dusseldorf.

Created for the glass machine and manufacturing company LiSEC the structure has been designed to showcase how its latest glass processing technology can be applied for the appropriate use of thin glass – helping to create a more flexible and durable product.

The design of the structure was the result of an internal competition held by the Arup Glass Group and is based on the one of the cog wheel components of the glass processing machines. Comprising of nine blades, made from 2 x 2mm thermally treated laminated glass, the structure is bent into place and then bonded with an innovative clear structural silicon bond.

“Glass has a magical quality. There is no other material used in architecture today which affects our view of life so much. Yet, for many of us, it is difficult to see more than the basic use of a material to put into a window. Of course the material can do so much more. By creating this structure we are able to showcase innovative techniques and new potentials for the market - helping to shift, once again, the perceptions about the limitations of glass.”

— Bruce Nicol, Associate Director

Glasstec is the International Trade Fair for glass products, machines, production, processing and displays and is held between 23 and 26 of October in Dusseldorf, Germany. The glass structure will be on display during the exhibition in Hall 9 on stand A50.