INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Patrik Schumacher, the company director of Zaha Hadid Architects replied our questions on his perspective of glass and its various uses for their projects.
In your opinion, what are today’s challenges in the architecture field, especially in terms of sustainability?
The key challenge, in my view, is for architecture to leave all old styles and retro-styles behind and embrace the full design empowerment offered by our contemporary computationally advanced design methodologies. Only this allows architecture to fully utilize contemporary engineering sophistication and to adapt to the challenges of sustainability as well as societal complexity.
As Zaha Hadid Architects you have been experimenting with new technologies, forms and materials. In this aspect, where would you place glass in terms of innovation?
Glass is a crucial, indispensable material. We are now increasingly working with curved glass, including double curved glass.
What do you think about the current state of parametricism and its potentialities for the future of architecture?
Parametricism will eventually spread across the whole discipline of architecture, as well as across all design disciplines. It is simply the unprejudiced application of advanced, computationally supported design, engineering and fabrication rationality. Parametricism will continue to evolve together with engineering and construction technology, together with ever more sophisticated algorithmic design processes, including AI empowered processes.
The recently completed Opus brings organic forms and transparency of glass together. What kind of spatial qualities does glass introduce to Opus?
Opus shows how double curved glass can articulate and unify a complex mixed-used development into a unitary, legible destination. Glass tinting and gradient fritting are additional means of articulation, while also delivering energy saving.
Can you share your future vision for the creative and innovative use of glass in architecture?
Innovation in glass is continuing. Larger panels, curved glass, as well as glass with structural capabilities are important arenas of innovation.
Photography: © Laurian Ghinitoiu (2nd), © Hufton+Crow (3rd)