Around the first year of the AD, due to the promotion of the Romans and their strict production process, glass achieved great success. Glassblowing (a technique brought to Rome from Syria) enabled artisans (often slaves) to make glass cups and bowls much faster than before. Cheap glasses began to appear on the market. Soon, the popularity of glass among ordinary Romans rivaled that of ceramics. Artists began experimenting with richer forms of art with glass, creating Rose Janus face vases and wine bottles decorated with scenes of nativity. Builders began to use glass for Windows, but because the glass was cloudy and heavy, the purpose was not so much for lighting as for safety and insulation. We find traces of glass Windows throughout Rome and surrounding cities, including luxurious tiles and well-preserved bathhouses in Pompeii.
In commercial spaces, businesses can use patterned glass for office partitions, conference rooms, and storefronts to create an inviting environment. The glass can serve as branding, reflecting the company's identity while allowing natural light to flow through, promoting a healthy work atmosphere. Moreover, in retail environments, patterned glass can create eye-catching displays that draw customers in.
IGU glass panels find applications across a multitude of sectors. In residential buildings, they are commonly used for windows, skylights, and doors, enhancing the home’s comfort and energy efficiency. In commercial settings, IGUs are integral in office buildings, storefronts, and public spaces, contributing to a modern and energy-conscious design ethos. Additionally, their use in curtain wall systems has gained popularity, giving rise to innovative architectural designs that harmonize with contemporary urban landscapes.
Glass is probably the most overlooked material in history. It is essential to our lives, even more important than plastic. To me, a world without glass is even harder to imagine than a terraforming Mars (which most scientists agree is practically impossible). Without this miracle all around us, you wouldn't be able to use a touch-screen phone, turn on a glass light, see from a window, wear glasses, or enjoy a drink from a glass bottle on your bedside table. You won't be able to receive email, phone calls or access the Internet.