Library Architecture has evolved drastically from traditional masonry structures. For years, libraries were designed as primarily dark, concealed, stone and brickwork enclosures with minimal alterations to these conventional concepts we all have seen.
These recent architectural transformations and new library construction have become an eye-catching sector of architectural trends when it comes to “Preserving the Past and Building the Future”.
Library Architecture has now integrated a whirlwind of modernization into the development of these historical research buildings. These modernizations seen around the world have incorporated a sizable amount of glass. With the use of architectural glass, these silent sanctuaries for book reading and studies are now designed to be more open, illuminating, and overall breathtaking.
There are two case studies we would like to present that showcase the transitions in Library Architecture with Modern Glass Cladding. One is the award-winning Far Rockaway Library in New York designed by Snohetta and the other is the new Omaha Central Public Library, scheduled to open in 2026 and designed by HDR Architects.
These projects were designed with very custom and sophisticated insulated glass units. The fabrication of these glass pieces was very complex and therefore required an extensive amount of attention to detail. The glass scopes were made up of custom colors, one of a kind design work, enormously high resolution custom digital glass printing, special sizes and shapes, flat and curved glass, standard and triple insulated make-ups, and assembly of metal profiles for glass installation. Because of our knowledge, skill set and expertise, proficiency, state of the art tooling, and years of experience, Cristacurva was able to fulfill the requirements of the specialty glass.
Javier Sanchez-Gil
Preserving the Past and Building it into the Future with Modern Glass-clad Library Architectural Designs
Company: Cristacurva, USA
About the speaker:
Cristacurva July 1993- up to date 1993- 2000 Worked in the early stages of Cristacurva to develop products, technologies, and markets in México. In these early stages, it was possible to develop many relationships with glaziers, and specially architects. This helped develop a more in-depth understanding of design glass needs. 2000-2008 My main responsibility in this stage was to lead the sales and marketing efforts of Cristacurva in the USA and Canada. 2008- present Responsible for the operations of the company which covers sales, marketing, and production. Cristacurva is a major player in the curved, oversized, decorative, solar, and structural glass market in North America. As such, Cristacurva has supplied highly complex and quality glass products for many building icons throughout the USA, Canada, and México.
