Go Big or Go Home!
Transparency and the benefits/challenges of large-format glass enclosures
Presented on October 13, 2022 at Facade Tectonics 2022 World Congress
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Overview
Abstract
This paper will focus on the design and detailing of large-format glass enclosures intended to maximize transparency using state-of-the-art materials and detailing. The presenters will discuss the construction challenges with installing enormous panes of laminated glass on two very different projects in Chicago. One installation focuses on the lobby wall of a 52-story office tower. The dramatic design is intended to visually integrate interior and exterior environments so they appear as a single, continuous space. The second installation is a single-story animal enclosure in the landmarked lion house at Lincoln Park Zoo. The enclosure design is intended to keep lions from escaping from their outdoor habitat while allowing for expansive, immersive views. Both monumental enclosures are unique examples of modern detailing for large-format glass. The discussion will document how the possible need for re-glazing played a pivotal role in the design. The lecture will focus on the advantages of low-iron glass, ionoplast/PVB interlayers, bird-friendly glass and anti-reflective coatings, using two project case studies:
Lincoln Park Zoo Pepper Family Wildlife Center, Chicago
The renovation of the Lion House at Lincoln Park Zoo provides expansive glass views of the new animal exhibit, using triple-laminated, low-iron glass. The enclosure, composed of 16’ x 9’ glass panels, provides nose-to-nose viewing for visitors and has been designed to resist the impact of a charging adult lion! Laminated skylight elements allow for lions to look down on visitors below. Portions of the exhibit have been treated with a coating to minimize the risk of bird impact. The renovation and expansion of this landmark building was completed in August 2021 and opened to the public in October.
320 South Canal – Union Station, Chicago
A new urban office tower features an ultra-transparent lobby glass wall. The 40’ tall four-ply laminated glass fins were installed first, followed by the large-format face-glass units. The 40’ x 10’ three-ply laminated face-glass corner piece with antireflective coating, weighing close to 6,000 pounds, needed to be slowly lifted and set in place during the installation. Carefully orchestrated teamwork from concept to final installation resulted in a remarkable, minimal enclosure. The project is scheduled for completion in 2022.
Authors
Patrick Loughran, FAIA, PE, LEED AP
Principal at Goettsch Partners
Richard Barrett, AIA
Senior Associate
Goettsch Partners, Inc.
Keywords
Lincoln Park Zoo Project Background
The lion house is an exceptional 1912 Arts and Crafts structure with a rich material pallet of many different colors of brick, terra cotta, clay tile, cast iron, and wood
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320 South Canal Project Background
320 South Canal is a 52-story, 1.5 million-square foot Class A trophy office tower located in Downtown Chicago.
As part of the larger redevelopment of Chicago Union Station and
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Acknowledgements
LPZ Lion House
It has been an honor for GP to participate in the restoration and enhancement of what we consider one of Chicago’s esteemed landmarks. This project was a uniquely collaborative team process, working with LPZ’s investments in data-driven design, GP’s preservation and new building teams, PJA’s exhibit design experience, and Pepper Construction’s budget and constructability expertise throughout. The result is one we can all take pride in: a well-designed and constructed project, completed within challenging constraints and budgeting, that simultaneously celebrates the past and features the latest developments in animal care and public experience and education.
320 South Canal
It has been an honor for GP to participate in the realization of an innovative 40 ft. tall all glass lobby wall with minimal joints. The shear simplicity of the details that span 40 ft. vertically give testimony to of all the teamwork that took place. The details are also a testimony to ways in which efficient installation methods are achieved. Carefully orchestrated teamwork from concept to final installation resulted in a remarkable, minimal enclosure that is ultra- transparent, celebrating the marrying of the outside with the inside spaces.