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It includes that glass which is used as a structural material in buildings. Gone are the days when glass was mainly used in windows. Nowadays glass has wide applications. It can be used as an external architecture in facades, windows, skylights, entrances, revolving doors and skywalks. As an interior glass architecture, it can be used in walls, floors, ceiling and staircases.
Benefits of using glass in buildings:
• It allows light which makes smaller rooms look bigger.
• It is relatively inexpensive and fully recyclable.
• It adds beauty and enhances value of your home.
The use of glass in architecture has increased because of innovations in glass like intelligent glass, solar control glass, fire resistant glass, laminated glass, colored glass, textured glass, lacquered glass, design glass, glass blocks, etc.
 The National Historic Landmark building that houses the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery is one of the finest examples of Greek revival architecture in United States. The courtyard occupies the heart of building which was renovated by renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners. Foster + Partners worked closely with acclaimed landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson on the design of the interior which includes four of her signature water scrims. At 28,000 square feet, the courtyard is one of the largest public event spaces in Washington. This beautifully landscaped courtyard extends beyond its earthy nature as an interior space-climate controlled and comfortable all year around. The focus here is on the roof of the courtyard. The roof is completely clad in a white painted steel structure with a glass and aluminum exterior cladding system. It comprises of 864 panes of glass. The central dome marks the heart of the courtyard. The fluid form of the fully glazed roof canopy bathes the courtyard in natural light and its form complements the structure of old building. The roof acts as a climate modifier for sunlight, daylight and acoustics. During the day, the courtyard is used as an outside meeting space, while at night it is dramatically lit to create an events-space for the city, with a range of sound and light installations that can change the aspect of the building to suit different occasions
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