From the Editor

More than Words
by Ellen Rogers

“You can’t judge a book by its cover.” The same could be said for a building; you can’t judge the building by its exterior. If the greatest novel of all time can be wrapped in a ho-hum cover, some of the most creative ideas may just come to fruition behind the exterior of a dull and drab building. (Of course, the opposite could be true as well. I know I’ve picked up many a book with an intriguing cover only to find that what was inside wasn’t all that great.)

While I am well aware of the fact that designing a book cover is quite a bit different than designing a building, the intent is still similar: grab the audience’s attention and lure them in (for the most part anyway, given the nature of some high-security buildings). And when it comes to a building, what better way to try and make a design statement than through the use of glass?

Architects and designers have long employed the distinctive qualities of decorative glass in interior design as a way to make a statement. Many hotel lobbies and office reception areas feature decorative glass applications—from walls and partitions to large-scale art pieces, counters and many more. The decorative glass is often the first element you notice as you enter—and one you tend not to forget.

So why not take that same concept outside and grab people’s attention before they even enter? Some architects are doing just that. We’re beginning to see signs of what could be the next big trend: decorative glass facades (turn to page 18 to read more about this). Digital printing processes, colorful glass even lighting effects are just a few techniques the design world has been exploring to come up with some innovative facades. As with anything new, there will be a learning curve and challenges to overcome. And, considering decorative glass is typically priced a bit higher than traditional glass, the cost will likely need to come down a bit, too, before we see a surge of decorative facades—unless building owners realize that decorative glass can also double as a building’s artwork.

Ellen Rogers is editor of Decorative Glass magazine.

Decorative Glass
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