Glass Structures :: Buildings Building Essays

Glass Structures The name of the structure doesn’t matter as much as the pleasure received; some may call them glass rooms or greenhouses. The uses of these glass structures vary as the weather they see. The structures all contain glass allowing people a place to view the natural environment inside. These structures are mediums in which outside and inside environments are connected. For many people myself included, there is a fantasy of being in an environment that is exotic and surreal. Conservatories started around the nineteenth century, a time of the Golden Age. English architecture, allowed designers to show off a different side, one that was open and enjoyable, in contrast to being useful or industrial. Conservatories were built for the wealth class. Wealth alone would not have brought about conservatories if it were not for the development of technology in heating, ventilation, iron, and glass . In addition, to the development of technology the interest in growing edible fruits, vegetables and exotic species also inspired the development. Palms were the desired tree of type, representing happiness and a symbol of wealth. To grow a palm tree in a cold climate involves having wealth no matter what. Conservatories didn’t develop without having some problems. The most obvious problem being glass, which makes up most of the structure. In the 16 Th. Century bull eyes glass was very expensive. The economics of having a conservatory did not become more realistic until Louis Lucas de Nehou invented sheet glass in 1688. The problem of glass was in the winter when the water would expand between the layers of windows and break. The other issue with glass is sealing it to keep water out and moisture in. Sealing the glass also affects the heating and ventilation. Stoves were most commonly used for heating the building. The cost of heating can differ in cost depending on warm of the green house. The glass house could be kept as warm as the rest of the house, costing a lot of money, or just warm enough to keep it from freezing, costing less. Ventilation can be solved by opening and closing the windows along with elaborate piping systems is desired. Other ways to reduce the air temperature is by having shading. This can be natural such as shade by deciduous trees, or vines. The other option is to have shades made of fabric, wood or another material that can be drawn when needed.