AIA 2018 Brings a Focus on Security, Performance and Style

Galaxy Glass & Stone is featuring a variety of decorative glass products at this year’s show.

Architects looking for glass and glazing products are finding plenty at this year’s American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2018 Conference on Architecture. The event is taking place this week at the Javits Center in New York, just steps away from the Hudson Yards construction site, just one of many glass-sheathed towers in the vicinity. And exhibitors in the hall have lots to offer architects searching for products that not only enhance aesthetics, but those that can also help increase safety.

Finding ways to improve access control and security, particularly in schools, is a growing focus for many companies. Assa Abloy featured its new Attack Resistant Openings, developed in partnership with School Guard Glass. The complete door openings comply with the 5-aa10 test standards based on the FBI’s Active Shooter Report, and are economically designed using hollow metal door and frame construction with Assa Abloy hardware.

Director of wood and aluminum marketing and communications Kenny Webb explained that the openings are tested to ensure they can withstand an intense four-minute physical attack with the use of hand tools after being shot 60 times with 7.62 NATO rounds. While the door or glass may not stop a bullet from penetrating the opening, the attack-resistant door assembly is designed to remain intact, preventing an intruder from breaching the opening. Webb explained this provides more time for law enforcement, first responders, etc. to reach the scene.

He added that, given the recent shootings, they’ve seen increasing requests and interest from schools interested in exploring options to increase security. Assa Abbloy is working to educate school districts to look at the different options that are available.

Bringing a focus on energy performance, Technoform is undergoing a re-branding and a focus change, working to spread the message: “forget the middle and spec the edge.”

“The best designs for windows start at the edge of glass,” said Helen Sanders, strategic business development, who explained that, regardless of the glass, if the frame and edge are not well-insulated, heat and cold will still find a way through. Using products such as warm-edge spacers can help improve the edge of glass performance, for example.

Sanders added that condensation is also driven by the edge of glass as well. As architects and designers continue to look for new products to distinguish their designs, decorative glass remains a popular option. Galaxy Glass & Stone is just one glass company exhibiting a variety of products and styles that can be used for both interior and exterior applications. According to President Eugene Negrin says his company is doing a lot of decorative laminated glass fabricated with different materials, such as metals and textiles, as well as color.

“Color is really strong,” said Negrin, adding that antique mirror is also making a comeback in the commercial setting.

The company’s booth offers a look at a variety of glass samples featuring colors, patterns and styles showing the many options and possibilities available with decorative glass.

The 2018 AIA Conference concludes today. Stay tuned to usglassmag.com for more news and reports from the show.