Date: 1 October 2009
Ensuring good presentation can be a reliable and efficient way to reach out to the target customers and strike the right note with them. Architecture is no exception to this rule; gone are the days when buildings were merely utility structures whose function was to provide basic protection from the environment. Today, as much money and time is spent on making a building look attractive apart from ensuring functionality.
In our own country, this trend has picked up early and quickly, and glass is considered an elementary component of a designer building. The case for glass is simple – not only does it provide a structure with a sophisticated appearance but also imparts functional value-adds to it.
The glass market offers a wide variety to choose from, and available choices can be hand-picked as per requirement. There are enough glass manufacturing companies in India that offer all types of glazing solutions. Right from multinational giants such as the French Saint Gobain or the South Korean DM Wall System to Indian companies such as Mumbai-based Sejal Architectural Glass, Kerala’s Glass & Glazing System and Sai Alutek from Bangalore, customers today have no dearth of brands and products to choose from.
Glass used in building construction is lighter in weight than other construction materials, making a glass building lighter and thereby reducing the burden on the foundation. Glass facades are relatively maintenance-free – A monthly cleaning is enough to the keep them in good condition. Replacement is required only 10-20 years thereon.
The use of glass in architecture also provides many intangible benefits. Formerly, glass was used only to enhance aesthetics. Now, it is responsible for the energy conservation, protection from heat and cold, apart from building durability and safety. Selection of the right kind of glass goes a long way in the overall environment-friendliness of a building.
Owing to its location within the tropical region of the earth, India is at the receiving end of high-level solar radiations. Glass facades offer functions of cutting heat while allowing optimum light to seep into the building, thus conserving energy used up by air conditioning and artificial lighting systems. This kind of glass has been christened ‘eco-smart’ glass.
Maintenance of glass is an important thing; care should be taken while selecting glass cleaners and cleaning methods. Common masonry cleaners can dissolve the glass surface and permanently damage it. Cleaning agents should be mild and non-abrasive. Bio-clean is a dual-action self-cleaning glass from Saint Gobain Glass India which prevents dirt, dust and grime from settling on its surface and thus reducing the need for cleaning. The right glass is always available – It is up to the customer to choose wisely.
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