Date: 10 July 2014
Moderated by Nick Beaumont, editor of Intelligent Glass Solutions, the panel featured Keith Boswell (SOM Architects), Charles Blomberg (Rafael Viñoly Architects), Graham Dodd (Arup), Werner Jager (ai3) and James O’Callaghan (Eckersley O’Callaghan.“With this Transatlantic Debate, we want to shine a light on intelligent solutions and systems that bring business and technology together,” Nick Beaumont said to GlassCon Global attendees.Panelists provided quick overviews of a few of their many innovative projects.Keith Boswell discussed looking into the glass industry’s future and stressed the importance of designing with the climate in mind. Graham Dodd provided attendees with a quick overview on glass and the processes and challenges that come with getting it its share of the wall. He spoke about a few of the innovations he had experience with: including reworking old glass. Warner Jager discussed the importance and value of standards and regulations (along with their challenges), before taking a reflective glance at the future of windows. James O’Callaghan discussed glass as a structural element for discussion, and Charles Blomberg discussed worldwide innovations.
Following the brief presentations, the panelists answered questions from moderator Nick Beaumont and GlassCon attendees. A question about the state of innovation in the glass industry sparked a discussion on the importance and value of innovation, and how to develop it.
“The point about innovation is that nobody knows what you need to innovate next,” said Graham Dodd. “There’s a good environment for innovation today.”
“Innovation needs fuel,” added James O’Callaghan. “It needs people who are willing to put money into it and be prepared to take the risks.”
The panelists also discussed the part glass plays in the building envelope as a whole. Keith Boswell stressed that glass is part of an external building envelope and is connected with every single other part. Panelists also discussed the importance of not just architects and engineers’ training, but also the training and expertise of manufacturers and installers.
About FCA International
FCA International represents the largest community of finishing contractors in North America. It is dedicated to educating, advocating and legislating on behalf of its membership, which is comprised of more than 7,000 contractors in the finishing trades.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Jeremy Fitch at (630) 537-1042 or by email at jfitch@finishingcontractors.org.
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