A Breath of Glass

My biggest curiosity is learning how anatomy connects with architecture. And this post examines just that. Take for example, the Glass Pavilion in Toledo, Ohio. The museum explores all different types of forms glass can take; from ancient Syrian/Palestinian Kohl tubes to an all glass dress.

I always like to pay attention to biophilic architecture and how biology and architecture intertwine with each other. It took some time to figure out how glass plays into all of this. How could something so stiff and so structured resemble a part of life?

The answer for glass is its temperature. When glass is cooled, the atoms of the glass slow down once something like cold air or cold water is added, causing the glass to contract. On the other hand, when glass is heated, the atoms of that glass are sped up by a heat source, causing the glass to expand. The movement of glass contracting and expanding resembles the human lungs and how we breathe!

Dress Impression with Train by Karen LaMonte

Syrian and Palestinian Kohl Tubes with Tiered Handles