Technological and economical analysis of curved glass structure

Abstract

The main concern of this research is to create links and interactive relationship between the design process, materialization and realization of curved glass structure. Based on established typology of curved building structure in terms of geometry, different hypothetical models of materialization were created. The goal was to produce geometrically diverse but optimally balanced design solutions of surface panelisation with respect to the original design idea, and in relation to surface transparency, simplicity of nodal connection, shaping technology, use of material and costs. For analysis, the following criteria are established: shaping technique and material efficiency (technological criteria); hard costs/m2 and total costs (economic criteria). The aim of this study is to establish methodological approach for realization of curved glass structure in order to select aesthetically satisfying and economically acceptable solutions.