Examples Of Printed Glass That We Think Are Exemplary
Glass has evolved a lot as an architectural material since its introduction in the medieval period as a decorative element. In today’s times, glass stands out as one of the most versatile and contemporary building materials that keep up with the sophisticated demands in the field of architecture and construction.
With the integration of high-end technology into glass industries, now it’s possible to print almost anything you want into this material, whether it’s a pattern or a personalized image. UV printing that uses ultraviolet technology is one of the common methods of glass printing. Also known as ultraviolet printing, this process uses special inks that have been formulated to dry quickly when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, which helps to produce stunning images and text print with more sharpness. Here are a few examples of printed glass examples that we think are exemplary.
The Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital – Abu Dhabi
Known as the nation’s first fully acute and long-term rehabilitation hospital, this project is built using an intense healthcare-led approach. The hospital architecture is centred around the philosophies of biophilic design which articulates the relationships between nature and human biology.
The majority of the architectural glass elements in this hospital use UV glass printing combined with health interior concepts aimed at building an atmosphere to reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought, improve well-being and expedite healing in a long term stay environment.
The hospital’s prominent facade, private patient rooms, the revolutionary aqua therapy suites and the exceptional “Bayt Al Qudra™” endurance Suites which have elegantly integrated glass have also been designed with a patient-healing mind concept.
The central atrium at the hospital is the ideal place for you to observe the flawless printed glass work. This part of the building plays a significant role in working to deinstitutionalise the hospital as the glass elements around it creates a feeling of transparency with visitors, staff and patients alike. People are able to see up and through the building with clear view outs rather than having to face several partitions or hard barriers to reach out to the reception or staff in the hospital.
The rather shallow structure and layout of the hospital adorned with UV printed glasses also allow most spaces to be naturally lit which is fundamental in establishing a calming therapeutic environment
Cleveland Clinic – UAE
With more than 15,000 square meters of decorative glass in 7 departments of this state of the art 5-star clinic, the Cleveland Clinic In Dubai is a perfect example that represents the exquisite application of UV printed glass. The design of this property involved more than 300 physicians and clinical personnels in specialized care areas, hundreds of architects and interior designers to make sure the integration of glass and other building materials met all clinical and health interior expectations.
The UV glass printing integrated alongside other glass techniques like back painting, bending, fusing, etching, engraving, and laminating have seamlessly combined high-performance architecture with innovative clinical aesthetics and world-class care, creating one of the most advanced patient-centered hospitals in the world.
Khalifa University Abu Dhabi-UAE
The architecture and interior design of this project is a perfect example of digital and scientific technology in glass designs. The campus serves a total of 30000 students and hosts world-class facilities like a students center, discovery center, sports center and an auditorium.
The University’s interior, architectural and lighting scheme elements were based on principles such as complementation, integration, communication and energy efficiency. Glass, as a very versatile material, was able to keep up with most of the design expectations, including energy-efficiency properties through reflective glass-based technology.
If you observe the glass statements of this building, they have easily complemented the architectural structures and other building materials while uplifting the building’s unique features. UV printing, laminating, mirror, and back painting are some techniques used in this project within its glass details.
The transparent features of glass have also allowed easy integration of natural light into the indoor spaces. This feature helps light act as a language (communication) of wayfinding for visitors to identify and relate different spaces and experiences throughout the building.