With such a huge interest and demand for decorative glass products in the architectural and design communities, it would not be surprising to see more and more players start to emerge within the supplier realm. I can see this being somewhat of a double-edged sword. It’s good because we’re likely to see the demand increase and we’ll need more companies that can meet those needs. But on the other hand, it might not be so good if these start-ups don’t completely plan out their decorative glass strategy.
Like with any new business, there’s got to be a plan in place. How are you going to get your new product into the hands of your target customers? What do you need to know about this business? I asked Scott Surma from DecoTherm what advice he would give a company thinking about venturing into the decorative market. He shared some key points to think about.
For starters, the route you follow to get the product to market. You must understand who the customers/stake holders are and how they can best be reached.
Next, is strategic fit. “Diversifying just for the ‘sake of diversifying’ is dangerous and can quickly make the entire business sick if not properly planned and rolled-out,” Scott told me.
Next up, is it a tactical fit? In other words, do you have the customer service capabilities for the new business? “Decorative glass requires more hand-holding, custom sampling, etc. compared to standard/commodity products,” Scott said.
And don’t forget the importance of the right production environment and mindset. “Decorative glass is more of a ‘job shop’ mindset rather than a high-volume commodity production line operation,” Scott added.
Don’t get me wrong. Decorative glass products are exciting … they are vibrant, colorful and energetic. I can see why companies would want to get involved. But like with anything else, it’s good to make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting into. I’m sure we’ve all found some hobby or two we just knew we’d love—be it rollerblading, snowboarding or tap dancing. We go out and spend tons of money on equipment and supplies and then we end up using the rollerblades, snowboard or tap shoes once or twice. We lose interest, realize maybe it really wasn’t what we wanted to do, or just get too busy with everything else. And then what? The rollerblades, snowboard and tap shoes are all gathering dust in the garage.
OK, maybe that comparison is not to the same extreme as starting up a decorative business, but you get my drift. What do you think of all this? As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the decorative glass business and where you see it going.
And you know, I’m actually starting to feel a bit inspired … and it’s snowing … wonder if that old snowboard is still out in the garage …
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
What If?
You don’t have to look too far to see what this miserable economy is doing to the construction market, both residential and commercial. Just this week alone USGNN.com™ ran a story about how Traco is selling off its vinyl window division; how PPG is exiting the IG sealants business; and today Republic Windows & Doors shut its doors costing about 300 employees their jobs. These times are rough, my friends.
As I write this “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” from Monty Python’s Life of Brian is ringing in my ears. But that silver lining I’m always trying to find is just looking a little tarnished.
I have talked to a few people of late who say that while yes things are bleak, it can also be a good time to focus on the direction they want the company to go. For some, right now is turning out to be a good time to focus on differentiating. Every company out there these days is fighting for the same little bits of business that are available. And one of the best ways to ensure those buyers are going to pick you and your business over the competition is if you can offer up something nobody else can—and that’s most likely going to be different for every company.
A down market can also be a good time to think about starting a new business. Here’s an interesting story I read online that lists the top 5 businesses to start in a down economy. I think the key is to take what you already know—what you already do well—and apply it to something different.
Some of you may be familiar with Jeff Tobe. He’s been a presenter at a number of industry association meetings and he’s sometimes called the “Coloring Outside the Lines” guy as he wrote a book by that name that shares thoughts on being creative when its comes to certain business tactics.
At any rate, he often talks about the power of two little words: What if? If you get a bunch of people together and start asking, “what if we did this?” or “what if we did that?” You’re eventually going to come up with a lot of really good ideas. And some of those good ideas what be just what you need.
As I write this “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” from Monty Python’s Life of Brian is ringing in my ears. But that silver lining I’m always trying to find is just looking a little tarnished.
I have talked to a few people of late who say that while yes things are bleak, it can also be a good time to focus on the direction they want the company to go. For some, right now is turning out to be a good time to focus on differentiating. Every company out there these days is fighting for the same little bits of business that are available. And one of the best ways to ensure those buyers are going to pick you and your business over the competition is if you can offer up something nobody else can—and that’s most likely going to be different for every company.
A down market can also be a good time to think about starting a new business. Here’s an interesting story I read online that lists the top 5 businesses to start in a down economy. I think the key is to take what you already know—what you already do well—and apply it to something different.
Some of you may be familiar with Jeff Tobe. He’s been a presenter at a number of industry association meetings and he’s sometimes called the “Coloring Outside the Lines” guy as he wrote a book by that name that shares thoughts on being creative when its comes to certain business tactics.
At any rate, he often talks about the power of two little words: What if? If you get a bunch of people together and start asking, “what if we did this?” or “what if we did that?” You’re eventually going to come up with a lot of really good ideas. And some of those good ideas what be just what you need.
Friday, November 21, 2008
What Doesn't Kill You ...
With all that’s happening right now with the world’s economy, without a doubt, these are tough times for everyone, everywhere. The construction industry has certainly seen its share of better days, but for some businesses out there, the pinch hasn’t been quite as bad as it has been for others. Take the high-end, luxury market; it seems like the rich folks out there are still spending, buying what they want. These are some of the people most likely to add those high-end features and details to their homes … high-end features, such as decorative and art glass products. These typically come at a premium compared to the traditional, mainstream building materials. So, do decorative glass manufacturers feel the economic effects as much as others?
Not quite as much, they say, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t scared.
I talked to Ken Von Roenn, head designer and president of Architectural Glass Art Inc. in Louisville, Ky., earlier today and he shared this quote from Daniel Webster, an American statesman during the nation’s Antebellum period: “There’s always room at the top.” In other words, if the wealthy (those at the top) have money to spend then they certainly will spend it.
“We’ve built our business to focus on the higher-end market and the advantage of that [is the high end] is less susceptible to the downturn. However, that does not mean we’re not immune to the economic effects … it’s just not to the same degree [as traditional building materials]," Von Roenn told me. He said they are still getting calls everyday “but six months from now, who knows what will happen.”
BJ Katz, art designer and principal of Meltdown Glass in Chandler, Ariz., had a similar opinion, agreeing that decorative and art glass product sales will be affected but to a lesser extent than other glass products. She told me that everyone to whom she talks is feeling the pinch.
“There is a psychological component to the current situation and people are uncertain and fearful of the future. Projects are being put on hold or being value engineered and there is a lag time in building. We find our business is brisk but we’re uncertain about how business will be next year,” she told me.
Construction industry or not, it’s a difficult time for all businesses. We each just have to do what we can to get through it. I for, one, will try and focus on the good, on the positive …. I’m looking at the glass (of wine) as half full, not half empty. Go ahead and call me an optimist. I’ll take it as a compliment.
It’s been said that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. I like to think that we will all come out of this much stronger and much wiser.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Not quite as much, they say, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t scared.
I talked to Ken Von Roenn, head designer and president of Architectural Glass Art Inc. in Louisville, Ky., earlier today and he shared this quote from Daniel Webster, an American statesman during the nation’s Antebellum period: “There’s always room at the top.” In other words, if the wealthy (those at the top) have money to spend then they certainly will spend it.
“We’ve built our business to focus on the higher-end market and the advantage of that [is the high end] is less susceptible to the downturn. However, that does not mean we’re not immune to the economic effects … it’s just not to the same degree [as traditional building materials]," Von Roenn told me. He said they are still getting calls everyday “but six months from now, who knows what will happen.”
BJ Katz, art designer and principal of Meltdown Glass in Chandler, Ariz., had a similar opinion, agreeing that decorative and art glass product sales will be affected but to a lesser extent than other glass products. She told me that everyone to whom she talks is feeling the pinch.
“There is a psychological component to the current situation and people are uncertain and fearful of the future. Projects are being put on hold or being value engineered and there is a lag time in building. We find our business is brisk but we’re uncertain about how business will be next year,” she told me.
Construction industry or not, it’s a difficult time for all businesses. We each just have to do what we can to get through it. I for, one, will try and focus on the good, on the positive …. I’m looking at the glass (of wine) as half full, not half empty. Go ahead and call me an optimist. I’ll take it as a compliment.
It’s been said that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. I like to think that we will all come out of this much stronger and much wiser.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Good Fight?
After nearly five, long years of heated debates and discussions filled with blood, sweat and tears … of tormented arguments and name-calling … when there seemed to be no end in sight … the end is nigh. Yes, my friends, we’re talking NFRC and its CMA. Yesterday in Jacksonville, Fla., the Ratings Committee presented a motion to the board of directors to accept the CMA Product Certification Program; and without debate, the motion carried. How far it has all come …
Over the years a handful of people representing the commercial industry have fought tirelessly to stand up for glaziers, fabricators and suppliers—those groups that will be most affected by implementation of the CMA. One of their biggest concerns throughout this process has been the lack of involvement from those within the commercial glazing sector—and it was not from lack of trying. These groups have held meetings and discussions to try and inform the commercial community about the program, but few have gotten involved.
At the NFRC’s summer meeting in Chicago I talked to one glazing contractor, Don Earnheart, vice president of system design with Trainor Glass Co. He told me he was there to try and familiarize himself and, in turn, his company with CMA so that they could be prepared if and when it is implemented. You can read more about what Earnheart had to say in the story here on USGNN.
Now, in light of the board’s most recent decision, you may be wondering, “What next?” Well, from here it’s probably going to come down to getting CMA into the codes. While the next International Code Council (ICC) cycle is three years off, individual states and jurisdictions can also choose to mandate the CMA into their own local codes. California has been calling for this for some time now, so it’s likely you’ll be seeing it there some time soon. So for now, anyone with concerns will have to defend them at code the level, be it at the local level or the ICC three years later.
Whether or not you’re in favor of CMA, people have to stand behind what they believe in. In a way, you can liken it to this week’s presidential election—any election, really. Here in the United States we as citizens are fortunate enough to be able to select who want to be the leader of our country; but you have to vote. You can’t just say, “Hey, this candidate is great, but I don’t care much for the other.” It comes down to taking the time, going to the polls (or getting that absentee ballot). It's your right. Otherwise, words without action are just words.
The same goes for whatever challenges and concerns this industry or any other industry out there is facing. If you believe in something stand up for it. It’s the best anyone can do.
Over the years a handful of people representing the commercial industry have fought tirelessly to stand up for glaziers, fabricators and suppliers—those groups that will be most affected by implementation of the CMA. One of their biggest concerns throughout this process has been the lack of involvement from those within the commercial glazing sector—and it was not from lack of trying. These groups have held meetings and discussions to try and inform the commercial community about the program, but few have gotten involved.
At the NFRC’s summer meeting in Chicago I talked to one glazing contractor, Don Earnheart, vice president of system design with Trainor Glass Co. He told me he was there to try and familiarize himself and, in turn, his company with CMA so that they could be prepared if and when it is implemented. You can read more about what Earnheart had to say in the story here on USGNN.
Now, in light of the board’s most recent decision, you may be wondering, “What next?” Well, from here it’s probably going to come down to getting CMA into the codes. While the next International Code Council (ICC) cycle is three years off, individual states and jurisdictions can also choose to mandate the CMA into their own local codes. California has been calling for this for some time now, so it’s likely you’ll be seeing it there some time soon. So for now, anyone with concerns will have to defend them at code the level, be it at the local level or the ICC three years later.
Whether or not you’re in favor of CMA, people have to stand behind what they believe in. In a way, you can liken it to this week’s presidential election—any election, really. Here in the United States we as citizens are fortunate enough to be able to select who want to be the leader of our country; but you have to vote. You can’t just say, “Hey, this candidate is great, but I don’t care much for the other.” It comes down to taking the time, going to the polls (or getting that absentee ballot). It's your right. Otherwise, words without action are just words.
The same goes for whatever challenges and concerns this industry or any other industry out there is facing. If you believe in something stand up for it. It’s the best anyone can do.
Monday, October 27, 2008
My Favorite Things
As quickly as glasstec 2008 arrived, it’s now over. Last Monday I stood there in Hall 13 at the Messe helping our team prepare for the event and now, a week later, I’ve returned. Where did the week go? Time sure does fly.
If you’ve never been to glasstec it might be difficult to fully grasp all that the event entails. And, if you’ve only been to U.S. trade shows, the comparison is very, very different. Think about this:
At glasstec an exhibitor’s booth is not just a booth; it’s a café, a bar, a lounge … a place to sit, relax and talk to customers, peers and friends from the show.
Hall 9. Here is where the beauty of art glass can be found. Craftspeople are creating and sculpting beautifully, delicate creations. There is even an artist’s gallery showcasing sculptures, vases, and many other pieces—even glass shoes and purses!
Glass Technology Live. There really is nothing else like this display as it’s a section where you can see glass in ways you’ve never seen it before. This year the highlight was a glass bridge that people could actually walk across.
If you’ve never been to glasstec it might be difficult to fully grasp all that the event entails. And, if you’ve only been to U.S. trade shows, the comparison is very, very different. Think about this:
At glasstec an exhibitor’s booth is not just a booth; it’s a café, a bar, a lounge … a place to sit, relax and talk to customers, peers and friends from the show.
At glasstec, the show floor is not just a show floor; it’s your exercise program for the week. Attendees often trudge from hall to hall (785, 700 square feet) lugging around bags filled with brochures and company literature. No time to exercise? No problem. Just walk from Hall 9 to Hall 17 a time or two.
At glasstec, you don’t have to ask people where they will be going out that evening because you know most everyone typically ends up in the Altstadt (the Old Town)—an area where, if everyone doesn’t already know your name, they most likely will before the night … err… morning is done.
So those are just a few general points about glasstec. I also thought I’d share with you a few of my very own favorite things about glasstec 2008. So to start (and in no particular order) …
Hall 9. Here is where the beauty of art glass can be found. Craftspeople are creating and sculpting beautifully, delicate creations. There is even an artist’s gallery showcasing sculptures, vases, and many other pieces—even glass shoes and purses!
Glass Technology Live. There really is nothing else like this display as it’s a section where you can see glass in ways you’ve never seen it before. This year the highlight was a glass bridge that people could actually walk across.Familiar Faces. Don’t get me wrong. I love to meet new people, but there is just something about being thousands of miles away from home and running into someone you have not seen or talked to in months, maybe even years. For those of us in the glass industry, that happens a lot at glasstec. Such a small world …
Coffee. Don’t laugh, but without a good dose of caffeine each morning it’s near impossible to get through the long day to follow. This year I found some really good coffee over in the Vesuvius booth. In fact, it was the second to last day of the show and after two cups, it was like the week was just beginning.
Skechers. If you’re wondering what Skechers are, they are comfortably stylish shoes that have been my saving grace when it comes to walking the show floor. I really do not know how I ever survived before.
OK, so like I said, that was my personal list and I’m sure everyone else who was there has a list of favorite things, too. Let’s hear yours, too and share your favorite glasstec things by posting a comment.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Where Glass is Avant Garde
I had to laugh earlier this week when I read Megan Headley’s blog in which she referenced that very first glasstec article I wrote. That was such a fun one to write and though it was six years ago I still see people every time I’m at glasstec who remember it and mention it. glasstec, like that article, is a truly unique experience and everyone always leaves looking forward to the next one.
This glasstec will be my fourth one and I know that I’ve learned a lot every time I’ve been there. For starters, while the show is primarily a machinery and equipment event, I know that halls 9, 10 and 11 will have the biggest display of glass itself. Everything from sculptures to artwork to architectural panels and flooring will be there. And yes, I know, there is also a stand or two tucked into the mix with a great display of beautiful glass jewelry and anyone who knows me knows that’s one of my weaknesses. However, I promise to not let it distract me from the real reason I’m at the show.
It’s pretty much a given that architectural trends start in Europe and make their way here. Europe is far ahead of North America when it comes to energy efficiency and solar, for instance (which, by the way, is the theme of this year’s event and I know that Megan will have lot s to report back to you all on that). It's the same with decorative glass, which has European roots and is now making a strong emergence in North America.
Take acid-etched glass. It was first used in Europe and has only in the past few years started to make a strong emergence here. So that’s a product that’s definitely tops on my list of “must sees” while I’m there.
Another product that always amazes me—another we’re starting to see more of here—is bent and curved glass. Some of the stands of bent and curved glass manufacturers are so … avant garde. Companies are doing some really, really exciting stuff and I’m eager to see what’s going to surface this year.
Yes, glasstec is a long, exhausting show. It runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for five days and spans nine halls. But I gotta tell you, it’s totally, completely worth it … but don’t even think about it walking it in uncomfortable shoes.
This glasstec will be my fourth one and I know that I’ve learned a lot every time I’ve been there. For starters, while the show is primarily a machinery and equipment event, I know that halls 9, 10 and 11 will have the biggest display of glass itself. Everything from sculptures to artwork to architectural panels and flooring will be there. And yes, I know, there is also a stand or two tucked into the mix with a great display of beautiful glass jewelry and anyone who knows me knows that’s one of my weaknesses. However, I promise to not let it distract me from the real reason I’m at the show.
It’s pretty much a given that architectural trends start in Europe and make their way here. Europe is far ahead of North America when it comes to energy efficiency and solar, for instance (which, by the way, is the theme of this year’s event and I know that Megan will have lot s to report back to you all on that). It's the same with decorative glass, which has European roots and is now making a strong emergence in North America.
Take acid-etched glass. It was first used in Europe and has only in the past few years started to make a strong emergence here. So that’s a product that’s definitely tops on my list of “must sees” while I’m there.
Another product that always amazes me—another we’re starting to see more of here—is bent and curved glass. Some of the stands of bent and curved glass manufacturers are so … avant garde. Companies are doing some really, really exciting stuff and I’m eager to see what’s going to surface this year.
Yes, glasstec is a long, exhausting show. It runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for five days and spans nine halls. But I gotta tell you, it’s totally, completely worth it … but don’t even think about it walking it in uncomfortable shoes.
Friday, October 10, 2008
A City for Decorative Glass
Las Vegas is a city like no other, and right now, with the City Center project (http://www.citycenter.com/) being constructed and set to open late 2009, there’s a lot of glass going up around the world-famous Strip. But even before City Center, all the glitz and glam of Las Vegas has always made it a great place for glass. And now more and more eye-catching decorative glass products are showing up everywhere.
Check out some of these pictures from the show that highlight just some of the innovative technologies that are available.
Interlayer Solutions Inc. offers a technology that allows users to print images onto EVA to be laminated into glass.
I, like a lot of other glass-industry people, spent much of this past week in Las Vegas for the recent GlassBuild trade show. If you’ve been reading http://www.usgnn.com/ this week you know the show was a bit smaller than last year’s, however the decorative glass presence was strong.
So what were the biggest trends? Not surprisingly, color is big on the list. Everyone, from designers to homeowners, is looking for ways to make their surroundings one-of-a-kind, and a colorful glass counter top, for example, isn’t something every homeowner in Anytown USA is going to do.
Patterns and textures are also popular. From shower doors to conference room walls, these products allow for the use of glass, but still create obscurity and privacy. Using these glass products in interior applications, such as walls and room dividers, also allows in natural light, which would not be possible with concrete and wood.
Another hot look in glass is digital printing. A number of technologies were on display this past week that showed how companies can print either directly onto the glass or interlayer materials. Digital printing really makes it possible to put ... well ... anything on glass.
Check out some of these pictures from the show that highlight just some of the innovative technologies that are available.
From top left to bottom right,
Dependable GlassWorks laminated marbles into glass to create this counter top. If you look closely at the circles on the side panel, you can see the glass is designed so the circles appear almost 3-D; like they are jumping off the glass.
How would you like to have a cast glass door like this for your shower? This was displayed by Cardinal Shower Enclosures, which does its own glass fabrication.
Interlayer Solutions Inc. offers a technology that allows users to print images onto EVA to be laminated into glass.
The newest launch from Goldray was magnetic marker board. It's just another example of how the possibilities for glass are endless.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Something to Print On
When it comes to decorative glass, it seems like there’s always something new to amaze me. Take, for example, a glass installation project recently completed at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Wash. You see, there’s more to it than just a great display of glass artwork; it’s actually glass artwork about glass artists.
Moon Shadow Etchers located in Sandy, Ore., produced twenty-one art theme walls for the Hotel Murano and each of the hotel’s floors is dedicated to one internationally recognized glass artist. These glass walls tell the story of each artist, their inspirations and creative processes. Interior design firm Corso Staicoff of Portland, Ore., came up with the concept and Moon Shadow Etchers worked with environmental graphic designers Ditroen Inc., also of Portland, to create the panels. The process they employed? Sandblasting photographs onto glass … check out the project and read more here: http://www.moonshadowetchers.com/murano.htm.
I was talking to Tim Frasier, founder of Moon Shadow Etchers, and he told me that they started work creating the glass panels around this time last year and they worked on it until the end of February this year. It was pretty much Tim and one other person creating the glass, working12-hour days, just about seven days a week, and only taking time off for Christmas.
To me, part of what’s so appealing about this project is that a company that makes artistic glass creations, created artwork that recognized some of the world’s most well-known glass artists, think Dante Marioni (http://www.dantemarioni.com/).
Of course, it also ties into a big trend right now in glass—imagery in glass. You can ink jet right onto glass, silkscreen glass, print on interlayers for laminating glass … all of this really shows it’s a very exciting time to be working with glass.
Moon Shadow Etchers located in Sandy, Ore., produced twenty-one art theme walls for the Hotel Murano and each of the hotel’s floors is dedicated to one internationally recognized glass artist. These glass walls tell the story of each artist, their inspirations and creative processes. Interior design firm Corso Staicoff of Portland, Ore., came up with the concept and Moon Shadow Etchers worked with environmental graphic designers Ditroen Inc., also of Portland, to create the panels. The process they employed? Sandblasting photographs onto glass … check out the project and read more here: http://www.moonshadowetchers.com/murano.htm.
I was talking to Tim Frasier, founder of Moon Shadow Etchers, and he told me that they started work creating the glass panels around this time last year and they worked on it until the end of February this year. It was pretty much Tim and one other person creating the glass, working12-hour days, just about seven days a week, and only taking time off for Christmas.
To me, part of what’s so appealing about this project is that a company that makes artistic glass creations, created artwork that recognized some of the world’s most well-known glass artists, think Dante Marioni (http://www.dantemarioni.com/).
Of course, it also ties into a big trend right now in glass—imagery in glass. You can ink jet right onto glass, silkscreen glass, print on interlayers for laminating glass … all of this really shows it’s a very exciting time to be working with glass.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Mirror Musings
The Glass Association of North America’s Mirror Division meeting during last week’s Fall Conference got me thinking about the state of the North American mirror industry. It’s no secret that the North American mirror industry has seen better days. After all, so much production of the mass-produced consumer products has moved offshore. Is there any hope that it will ever return to North America? It’s not all that likely. As Lee Harrison, president of Walker Glass told me during an interview, “I wouldn’t hold my breath for it to come back.”
So what happened to the mirror industry here in North America? I went back to an article I wrote nearly eight years ago for USGlass, which talked about the state of the industry then. Let’s take a quick look back …
One struggle that John Matthews, then vice president of industrial products for Carolina Mirror (now part of Gardner Glass Products) in North Wilkesboro, N.C., talked about was the fact that primary glass manufacturers—suppliers for mirror makers—had started making mirror, too, and that lead to over-capacity.
Another deterrent, and probably the most significant, is increased competition from international producers who could turn out product faster and cheaper. As Drew Mayberry, president and CEO of Lenoir Mirror told me:
“Imported mirror and glass from countries such as China are affecting mirror manufacturers [in the United States] in two ways, neither of which is positive. First, mirror and glass parts are being installed in furniture that is being manufactured in [Asia], then packaged and shipped to the United States. Secondly, mirrors produced in China are being shipped to warehouses on the West Coast, then cut and fabricated for those markets. Both activities diminish the market available in the United States."
Producers also told me about the need for development and innovation. And today we’ve seen companies like Walker Glass and Gardner Glass Products do just that—innovate by finding ways to bring new products to the market place to stay competitive.
In last week’s mirror meeting, in fact, Tommy Husky with Gardner said at his company they don’t even consider themselves to be just a mirror company, but rather a specialty glass company. A number of mirror companies have developed new products products and are staying busy serving the architectural and design community’s decorative and specialty glass needs.
Another potential focus area mirror members talked about last week is using mirror for solar applications—another timely and significantly developing market. I know several times a week I read articles online that talk about photovoltaics and solar applications.
Maybe mass-produced consumer mirror production is gone for good. But there are still lots of opportunities for mirror producers; you just have to go out and find them.
So what happened to the mirror industry here in North America? I went back to an article I wrote nearly eight years ago for USGlass, which talked about the state of the industry then. Let’s take a quick look back …
One struggle that John Matthews, then vice president of industrial products for Carolina Mirror (now part of Gardner Glass Products) in North Wilkesboro, N.C., talked about was the fact that primary glass manufacturers—suppliers for mirror makers—had started making mirror, too, and that lead to over-capacity.
Another deterrent, and probably the most significant, is increased competition from international producers who could turn out product faster and cheaper. As Drew Mayberry, president and CEO of Lenoir Mirror told me:
“Imported mirror and glass from countries such as China are affecting mirror manufacturers [in the United States] in two ways, neither of which is positive. First, mirror and glass parts are being installed in furniture that is being manufactured in [Asia], then packaged and shipped to the United States. Secondly, mirrors produced in China are being shipped to warehouses on the West Coast, then cut and fabricated for those markets. Both activities diminish the market available in the United States."
Producers also told me about the need for development and innovation. And today we’ve seen companies like Walker Glass and Gardner Glass Products do just that—innovate by finding ways to bring new products to the market place to stay competitive.
In last week’s mirror meeting, in fact, Tommy Husky with Gardner said at his company they don’t even consider themselves to be just a mirror company, but rather a specialty glass company. A number of mirror companies have developed new products products and are staying busy serving the architectural and design community’s decorative and specialty glass needs.
Another potential focus area mirror members talked about last week is using mirror for solar applications—another timely and significantly developing market. I know several times a week I read articles online that talk about photovoltaics and solar applications.
Maybe mass-produced consumer mirror production is gone for good. But there are still lots of opportunities for mirror producers; you just have to go out and find them.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Texas-Sized Glass Applications
Next week the Glass Association of North America’s (GANA) Fall Conference will take place in Dallas. In addition to the technical meetings, the conference will include a number of presentations on timely industry topics (Click Here for the full schedule: http://www.glasswebsite.com/events/fallconference/default.asp). While the meeting days are long, there’s a lot to see and do in Dallas—and a good bit of glass at that.
For one, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center boasts an impressive
display of overhead glazing. Naturalite manufactured and installed the skylight, which was featured on the July 2004 cover of USGlass magazine. Memphis, Tenn.-based Knedak Bobo Group served as the project architect. Gaylord Hotels wanted the resort to feature a signature glass dome, similar to the one found in the Opryland Hotel (also manufactured by Naturalite). For the job the company created a custom BMS 3000 skylight for the atrium that features a large, gold star at the top of the cupola skylight, centered in the main atrium skylight. More than 140,000 square feet of skylights was used for the total project. Typical slope glazing used ½-inch laminated glass, while vertical glazing used 1-inch insulating glass.
And if you’re more of a football fan you might be interested in the construction of the new stadium for the Dallas Cowboys (http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/), which has a projected completion date of June 2009. Dallas-based contract glazier Haley-Greer is doing the glass installation. When I talked to Letitia Barker, the company’s president, earlier this year, she was very excited about the project.
“The stadium will have one of the largest inverted-slope glazed curtainwalls in the world, and the end-zone doors are going to be the largest operable glass doors ever produced.”
Here are some other glazing details from the stadium’s design statement:
“The sweeping canted, 800-foot glass walls span the entire length of the stadium ... In contrast, the concave forms at the end zones, which serve as monumental entry areas, receive fans experiencing the building through 120-foot high and 180-foot wide retractable glass doors …the retractable roof panels travel over 400 feet along the length of the arches to rest in the open position. Simultaneously, the glass end zone walls open on each end of the stadium to transform the experience of the indoor stadium to that of an outdoor venue … Colors for the static elements of the stadium – concrete, glass, and steel – reflect the color of the materials used … clear application glass is used in order to enhance one’s understanding of the structure. The canted glass sideline walls are clear and incorporate a high tech white ceramic frit that allows a luminescent quality during both day and night.”
Whether or not you’re a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, the new stadium is going to offer tremendous glazing displays. You can see more of the stadium in the video below.
For one, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center boasts an impressive
display of overhead glazing. Naturalite manufactured and installed the skylight, which was featured on the July 2004 cover of USGlass magazine. Memphis, Tenn.-based Knedak Bobo Group served as the project architect. Gaylord Hotels wanted the resort to feature a signature glass dome, similar to the one found in the Opryland Hotel (also manufactured by Naturalite). For the job the company created a custom BMS 3000 skylight for the atrium that features a large, gold star at the top of the cupola skylight, centered in the main atrium skylight. More than 140,000 square feet of skylights was used for the total project. Typical slope glazing used ½-inch laminated glass, while vertical glazing used 1-inch insulating glass. And if you’re more of a football fan you might be interested in the construction of the new stadium for the Dallas Cowboys (http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/), which has a projected completion date of June 2009. Dallas-based contract glazier Haley-Greer is doing the glass installation. When I talked to Letitia Barker, the company’s president, earlier this year, she was very excited about the project.
“The stadium will have one of the largest inverted-slope glazed curtainwalls in the world, and the end-zone doors are going to be the largest operable glass doors ever produced.”
Here are some other glazing details from the stadium’s design statement:
“The sweeping canted, 800-foot glass walls span the entire length of the stadium ... In contrast, the concave forms at the end zones, which serve as monumental entry areas, receive fans experiencing the building through 120-foot high and 180-foot wide retractable glass doors …the retractable roof panels travel over 400 feet along the length of the arches to rest in the open position. Simultaneously, the glass end zone walls open on each end of the stadium to transform the experience of the indoor stadium to that of an outdoor venue … Colors for the static elements of the stadium – concrete, glass, and steel – reflect the color of the materials used … clear application glass is used in order to enhance one’s understanding of the structure. The canted glass sideline walls are clear and incorporate a high tech white ceramic frit that allows a luminescent quality during both day and night.”
Whether or not you’re a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, the new stadium is going to offer tremendous glazing displays. You can see more of the stadium in the video below.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Hot Glass, Cold Glas, All Glass
I recently had the opportunity to interview Ken Saunders, a co-owner of the Marx-Saunders Gallery (www.marxsaunders.com) in Chicago—a gallery that is dedicated to glass art and only works with a couple dozen or so artists. While the gallery’s artwork isn’t cheap (sometimes $40,000), Ken told me the great thing about glass is that it really is available at any price point.
“There are wonderful, marvelous pieces available at any price,” he said.
One thing I found particularly interesting was the fact that a number of the gallery’s pieces are on loan to the Glass Experience exhibition at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. I asked Ken about this and he said:
“Because we are an artist’s gallery and because we are very intensely associated with the couple dozen artists we represent, it is a part of our mission to seek out these opportunities for greater exposure. So we are often involved with museums, and museums know we are available to assist them with loans and other support to make exhibitions possible.”
If you get the chance to visit the exhibition (which I wrote about a few weeks ago; scroll down to read if you missed it) you can see works from some of the most renowned artists including Lino Tagliapietra (http://www.linotagliapietra.com/) and Jon Kuhn (www.kuhnstudio.com). Both artisans have worked with Marx-Saunders and both create astonishing works. However, the way by which they each approach glass is different. Tagliapietra is a hot-glass (blown glass) artist while Kuhn works with cold glass. Kuhn says his work involves grinding, polishing and laminating repeatedly.
Back to my interview with Ken Saunders … we also talked about how a number of artists who start out creating works for galleries often make the transition to large-scale and/or architectural work. BJ Katz from Meltdown Glass (www.meltdownglass.com) is an example of such an artist. You can read more about her in the Decorative Glass section of the August 2008 USGlass (http://www.usglass-digital.com/usglass/200808/?u1=texterity).
One of the reasons more artists are going the architectural route, Ken told me, is because they’ve found ways to create larger and larger glass art pieces.
“Once they were able to figure that out and began casting humongous objects then there was the ability for the architects to really draw some inspiration and work with some of these artists,” Ken said.
Considering the fact that architects are challenging the primaries and flat glass fabricators to create larger pieces of glass it’s no surprise, really, that the decorative side of glass is getting larger. Going forward, it will be exciting to see what other trends make the crossover.
“There are wonderful, marvelous pieces available at any price,” he said.
One thing I found particularly interesting was the fact that a number of the gallery’s pieces are on loan to the Glass Experience exhibition at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. I asked Ken about this and he said:
“Because we are an artist’s gallery and because we are very intensely associated with the couple dozen artists we represent, it is a part of our mission to seek out these opportunities for greater exposure. So we are often involved with museums, and museums know we are available to assist them with loans and other support to make exhibitions possible.”
If you get the chance to visit the exhibition (which I wrote about a few weeks ago; scroll down to read if you missed it) you can see works from some of the most renowned artists including Lino Tagliapietra (http://www.linotagliapietra.com/) and Jon Kuhn (www.kuhnstudio.com). Both artisans have worked with Marx-Saunders and both create astonishing works. However, the way by which they each approach glass is different. Tagliapietra is a hot-glass (blown glass) artist while Kuhn works with cold glass. Kuhn says his work involves grinding, polishing and laminating repeatedly.
Back to my interview with Ken Saunders … we also talked about how a number of artists who start out creating works for galleries often make the transition to large-scale and/or architectural work. BJ Katz from Meltdown Glass (www.meltdownglass.com) is an example of such an artist. You can read more about her in the Decorative Glass section of the August 2008 USGlass (http://www.usglass-digital.com/usglass/200808/?u1=texterity).
One of the reasons more artists are going the architectural route, Ken told me, is because they’ve found ways to create larger and larger glass art pieces.
“Once they were able to figure that out and began casting humongous objects then there was the ability for the architects to really draw some inspiration and work with some of these artists,” Ken said.
Considering the fact that architects are challenging the primaries and flat glass fabricators to create larger pieces of glass it’s no surprise, really, that the decorative side of glass is getting larger. Going forward, it will be exciting to see what other trends make the crossover.
Friday, August 15, 2008
But Wait! There's More
If you’re like me, by Friday you’re really ready for the weekend. After a long workweek it’s so nice to have a couple of days free to relax. Tomorrow I’ll be heading down to Winston-Salem, N.C. to meet my parents for the weekend. For me, Winston-Salem is slightly more than half way to where my parents live and slightly less for them, taking us around 5 hours to drive there and 2+ for my family. While it may seem as though I drew the short straw ending up with the longer drive, I don’t mind, as it will still make a nice weekend getaway.
This will be an exciting visit for many reasons, one reason in particular is that I plan to bring my parents a copy of the August USGlass, which features the premiere of our new Decorative Glass (DG) magazine. Have you seen it yet? You can read it online by clicking here: http://www.usglass-digital.com/usglass/200808/?u1=texterity.
The reactions I’ve heard so far have been tremendous. People are excited about this new venture and the opportunities it holds. And, as great as this launch, there’s still more in the works.
We’re also putting together a special stand-alone edition of our premiere issue of DG! It will include more articles, products and information and will be distributed at the October show in Las Vegas. And I ask you, is that not a great place for decorative glass?
There’s so much developing in the world of decorative glass and I am eager to talk more about it. That’s why I’m excited about the Glass Association of North America’s Fall Conference next month in Dallas. The decorative division will be meeting at that time and I’m sure there will be tons to talk about, write about and, yes, even blog about. Are you in the decorative glass loop? If so, I’m looking forward to talking with you in September. See you there!
This will be an exciting visit for many reasons, one reason in particular is that I plan to bring my parents a copy of the August USGlass, which features the premiere of our new Decorative Glass (DG) magazine. Have you seen it yet? You can read it online by clicking here: http://www.usglass-digital.com/usglass/200808/?u1=texterity.
The reactions I’ve heard so far have been tremendous. People are excited about this new venture and the opportunities it holds. And, as great as this launch, there’s still more in the works.
We’re also putting together a special stand-alone edition of our premiere issue of DG! It will include more articles, products and information and will be distributed at the October show in Las Vegas. And I ask you, is that not a great place for decorative glass?
There’s so much developing in the world of decorative glass and I am eager to talk more about it. That’s why I’m excited about the Glass Association of North America’s Fall Conference next month in Dallas. The decorative division will be meeting at that time and I’m sure there will be tons to talk about, write about and, yes, even blog about. Are you in the decorative glass loop? If so, I’m looking forward to talking with you in September. See you there!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Eight is Enough
Today is Friday, August 8, 2008 –08-08-08. Are you feeling lucky? The Chinese consider the number 8 lucky and I’m sure many athletes are hoping the number will bring them luck, too, as today hosts the opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympic Games.
Being an Olympic athletic is something many people, including yours truly, at some point have dreamed off. As a kid I so wanted to be an Olympic gymnast; but that dream of mine was just that—a dream—and it’s only for a few people that such a dream comes true. Bear with me as I’m about to stray away from glass, but I’ll make my way back in the end …
The other night I was watching Project Runway (if you’re not familiar, think American Idol for fashion designers) and the contestants were given the challenge to design a uniform for women Olympians to be worn during the opening ceremonies (if you’re interested in knowing, this year’s uniforms were actually designed by Ralph Lauren. Just something to think about as you watch the ceremonies tonight).
Getting to the point … one of the designers created this shiny blue cocktail dress with red trim, which the judges criticized for not being very representative of the Olympics; the contestant said everything else he came up with reminded him of Wonder Woman. To which Michael Kors, one of the show’s judges and a famous designer responded (I’m paraphrasing), “The closest thing to a super hero this country has is an Olympic athlete!” And I just could not have agreed more.
Olympians strive to be the best at what they do—running, gymnastics, swimming, diving—and then they are given the honor to represent their countries at these games. This opportunity allows them to truly show their hard work, dedication and determination.
This year the games are in Beijing, a city that has recently seen major construction activity, upgrades and renovations in preparation for the swarms of people there this month. You can read more about some of the construction projects on www.usgnn.com today. Here’s a couple others that also showcase great glass displays.
The Water Cube is the Olympic Aquatics Center. It’s covered with translucent blue panels to provide an under-water feeling.
There’s also the new terminal at the Beijing Capital Airport (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-02-26-2733226559_x.htm), which features a huge display of glass and steel.
I am excited to see what other new construction works will unfold for future Olympics; I know for a fact there will be some pretty top-notch jobs showing up in Vancouver for 2010.
Being an Olympic athletic is something many people, including yours truly, at some point have dreamed off. As a kid I so wanted to be an Olympic gymnast; but that dream of mine was just that—a dream—and it’s only for a few people that such a dream comes true. Bear with me as I’m about to stray away from glass, but I’ll make my way back in the end …
The other night I was watching Project Runway (if you’re not familiar, think American Idol for fashion designers) and the contestants were given the challenge to design a uniform for women Olympians to be worn during the opening ceremonies (if you’re interested in knowing, this year’s uniforms were actually designed by Ralph Lauren. Just something to think about as you watch the ceremonies tonight).
Getting to the point … one of the designers created this shiny blue cocktail dress with red trim, which the judges criticized for not being very representative of the Olympics; the contestant said everything else he came up with reminded him of Wonder Woman. To which Michael Kors, one of the show’s judges and a famous designer responded (I’m paraphrasing), “The closest thing to a super hero this country has is an Olympic athlete!” And I just could not have agreed more.
Olympians strive to be the best at what they do—running, gymnastics, swimming, diving—and then they are given the honor to represent their countries at these games. This opportunity allows them to truly show their hard work, dedication and determination.
This year the games are in Beijing, a city that has recently seen major construction activity, upgrades and renovations in preparation for the swarms of people there this month. You can read more about some of the construction projects on www.usgnn.com today. Here’s a couple others that also showcase great glass displays.
The Water Cube is the Olympic Aquatics Center. It’s covered with translucent blue panels to provide an under-water feeling.
There’s also the new terminal at the Beijing Capital Airport (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-02-26-2733226559_x.htm), which features a huge display of glass and steel.
I am excited to see what other new construction works will unfold for future Olympics; I know for a fact there will be some pretty top-notch jobs showing up in Vancouver for 2010.
Friday, August 1, 2008
A Picture Says 1,000 Words
Last weekend I was lucky enough to visit the Glass Experience at Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry. While it was a really great exhibition and very informative, it was still difficult for me to not provide informative lectures about all the glass displays to the other visitors. So instead, I thought I would share some pictures from my visit with you here.
Pilkington Place: Pilkington’s 20 by 16 foot Wall of Glass features many different types of the company’s glass, including these decorative patterns and textures shown in the top picture below. In addition, there’s also a display of its Profilit U-channel glass (second pic), Planar Structural Glazing System (third pic) and specialty low-E glass.
Recycled and Re-Used Glass: Most everyone these days is searching for ways to re-use everything from furniture to, yes, glass. This picture shows different uses of recycled glass content. Rather decorative, don't you think?
Chihuly's Corner: As soon as I win the lottery I am going to buy myself a Dale Chihuly sculpture. Everything he does is simply incredible. I loved that the exhibition showed several concept drawings of some of the display pieces. It was hard to not be simply awe-struck at the beautiful colors of the Macchia forest. I looked at these structures and then watched the short video on how they are made and all I could think was "My goodness--that's glass?!" Oh ... did I mention it's also a great decorative element?
So there you have it -- a look at the Glass Experience on display in Chicago until September 1. It's definitly worth a visit. Did I mention the decorative displays? Especially exciting given the soon-to-debut Decorative Glass magazine will launch as part of the August USGlass --don't miss it!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Hello Chicago!
This weekend I am heading for Chicago as next week I’ll be covering the NFRC’s summer meeting (more about that next week). For now I’m just looking forward to visiting Chicago as it really is one of my favorite cities. To me you can walk through downtown and still feel like you’re in a small town and not a big city. And aside from the fact that the architecture is incredible (with lots of glass, too, I might add), currently there’s another great glass display in the city at the Museum of Science and Industry, and yes, I am going to visit it.
The Glass Experience (http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/the-glass-experience/) as it’s titled, is an exhibition that’s showing until September 1. The website describes the exhibition as exploring “how glass has shattered the paradigms of our world’s civilization.” It includes a look at everything from the works of Chihuly, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright (as in decorative glass) to safety and security products to future technologies. On a side note can anyone find the oops on this page: http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/the-glass-experience/the-exhibit/industrious-and-inventive/? Looks like whoever wrote the text up here should have done just a bit more research, don’t you think?
I have no doubt that visiting the Glass Experience will be a tremendous … experience. As you know I also love an opportunity to learn more about glass and I love to see how others outside our little industry are embracing this technology. Talking specifically about the growth of the decorative glass market, someone said to me earlier this week, “Wow, people are finally taking serious notice of decorative glass!”
And they really are … even the people who don’t even know what decorative glass is … they see how it can differentiate and bring something special to that application. I am excited about where this is going and I am sure you are, too.
The Glass Experience (http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/the-glass-experience/) as it’s titled, is an exhibition that’s showing until September 1. The website describes the exhibition as exploring “how glass has shattered the paradigms of our world’s civilization.” It includes a look at everything from the works of Chihuly, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright (as in decorative glass) to safety and security products to future technologies. On a side note can anyone find the oops on this page: http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/the-glass-experience/the-exhibit/industrious-and-inventive/? Looks like whoever wrote the text up here should have done just a bit more research, don’t you think?
I have no doubt that visiting the Glass Experience will be a tremendous … experience. As you know I also love an opportunity to learn more about glass and I love to see how others outside our little industry are embracing this technology. Talking specifically about the growth of the decorative glass market, someone said to me earlier this week, “Wow, people are finally taking serious notice of decorative glass!”
And they really are … even the people who don’t even know what decorative glass is … they see how it can differentiate and bring something special to that application. I am excited about where this is going and I am sure you are, too.
Friday, July 18, 2008
2009 … It’s Already Here
The year 2009 may still be a few months away, but when it comes to glass 2009 is already at HGTV. Sounds a little vague, right? I’ll explain.
Earlier this week I turned on HGTV to catch the very end of one of those extreme home shows. Being that it was right there at the end, I don’t have the details about the house (I’m working on it though … got a call in to HGTV and everything), but it was pretty amazing. One side of the house was a glass wall—nothing we’ve never seen before, right? But you press a switch and the wall folds down and actually becomes a patio. I have never seen anything like it … can you imagine? It was like a glass drawbridge. Talk about extreme living. I wish I could share more at this moment, but sadly, nothing has yet turned up. I’ll keep digging and hopefully I’ll soon know more.
So then I decided to find out what else glass-related is happening at HGTV, so I visited the website and searched for “glass.” And that brings us to 2,009—2,009 references to glass at www.hgtv.com. OK, yes, some of them are not really architectural-related (anyone out there in need of a glass cupcake ring?). But a good portion of those links certainly were relevant, offering a ton of information, from using glass tiles in kitchen back splashes to snazzy glass shower enclosures, even how-to projects (324 to be exact). There is even a link that will walk you through the process of creating an etched glass illuminated seahorse. Who knew HGTV was such a glass resource?
Glass in the house is definitely in growing demand. Whether it’s for energy efficiency, aesthetics or a combination, we’re seeing glass being used in unique ways. The premier of Decorative Glass magazine is just around the corner and everyone I’ve talked with is excited about this launch. So many people out there –architects, designers, installers—they all want to know more about decorative glass as it’s definitely the it thing. Don’t you agree?
Earlier this week I turned on HGTV to catch the very end of one of those extreme home shows. Being that it was right there at the end, I don’t have the details about the house (I’m working on it though … got a call in to HGTV and everything), but it was pretty amazing. One side of the house was a glass wall—nothing we’ve never seen before, right? But you press a switch and the wall folds down and actually becomes a patio. I have never seen anything like it … can you imagine? It was like a glass drawbridge. Talk about extreme living. I wish I could share more at this moment, but sadly, nothing has yet turned up. I’ll keep digging and hopefully I’ll soon know more.
So then I decided to find out what else glass-related is happening at HGTV, so I visited the website and searched for “glass.” And that brings us to 2,009—2,009 references to glass at www.hgtv.com. OK, yes, some of them are not really architectural-related (anyone out there in need of a glass cupcake ring?). But a good portion of those links certainly were relevant, offering a ton of information, from using glass tiles in kitchen back splashes to snazzy glass shower enclosures, even how-to projects (324 to be exact). There is even a link that will walk you through the process of creating an etched glass illuminated seahorse. Who knew HGTV was such a glass resource?
Glass in the house is definitely in growing demand. Whether it’s for energy efficiency, aesthetics or a combination, we’re seeing glass being used in unique ways. The premier of Decorative Glass magazine is just around the corner and everyone I’ve talked with is excited about this launch. So many people out there –architects, designers, installers—they all want to know more about decorative glass as it’s definitely the it thing. Don’t you agree?
Friday, July 11, 2008
Look Around; It's Everywhere
Who’s not familiar with the old saying, “When it rains it pours”? For the past few weeks that old saying has been truer than ever for me. Why? You ask. It’s this amazing little product called decorative glass.
Next month you will be able to read more about the subject as USGlass magazine will be launching a brand new publication: Decorative Glass (DG) magazine. So lately I’ve been spending a lot of time doing research into the market, talking to people about their experiences and gathering ideas, artwork, and so forth. The crazy thing, though, is how little effort it required, because as soon as I talked to one person he/she gave me another source for a different focus area; then that source gave me another and so on and so on. I have never found research as easy as this; everyone wants to talk about decorative glass. And why not? It is the next big thing and it is here to stay.
That’s why I am really looking forward to the opportunities this new publication is going to bring. By now many people are well aware of the significant role and position in which decorative glass is finding itself within the architectural market. It’s a product that architects like because it allows them to offer their projects something that’s truly unique.
Walk into a mall, a store, office building, even a church or a synagogue and you’re likely to see it being used. As anyone who’s been reading this blog for awhile knows, I pretty much notice glass everywhere, all the time. This past week, for example, I went to the supermarket. Now, this particular market has a little restaurant inside, which has its own little “storefront” we’ll call it. This week as I walked past it, something was different. There was a huge, sandblasted design on the glass.
“There is no way that that has always been there,” I said to myself as I examined the glass and its details (you knew I had to, right?). It took me a moment to figure it out, but the reason I’d never noticed it before is because it’s usually blocked by a giant display stand or sales table.
But why do that? Why spend extra money to make the glass look extra nice if you’re just going to cover it up? After all, aesthetics is one of the main reasons for using a decorative glass product—any type of decorative glass. And we all know that some of those techniques are much more expensive than sandblasted glass. You spent the money, so don’t hide it!
There is so much to this growing product segment, and that’s why we’re launching the new magazine. And we need your input. What are your thoughts on decorative glass, new products, trends and techniques? Where do you see it going and what would you like to see happen? Right now is such an amazing time for decorative glass. The market is just starting to take off and there is no telling how huge it will be; but huge, it definitely will be.
Next month you will be able to read more about the subject as USGlass magazine will be launching a brand new publication: Decorative Glass (DG) magazine. So lately I’ve been spending a lot of time doing research into the market, talking to people about their experiences and gathering ideas, artwork, and so forth. The crazy thing, though, is how little effort it required, because as soon as I talked to one person he/she gave me another source for a different focus area; then that source gave me another and so on and so on. I have never found research as easy as this; everyone wants to talk about decorative glass. And why not? It is the next big thing and it is here to stay.
That’s why I am really looking forward to the opportunities this new publication is going to bring. By now many people are well aware of the significant role and position in which decorative glass is finding itself within the architectural market. It’s a product that architects like because it allows them to offer their projects something that’s truly unique.
Walk into a mall, a store, office building, even a church or a synagogue and you’re likely to see it being used. As anyone who’s been reading this blog for awhile knows, I pretty much notice glass everywhere, all the time. This past week, for example, I went to the supermarket. Now, this particular market has a little restaurant inside, which has its own little “storefront” we’ll call it. This week as I walked past it, something was different. There was a huge, sandblasted design on the glass.
“There is no way that that has always been there,” I said to myself as I examined the glass and its details (you knew I had to, right?). It took me a moment to figure it out, but the reason I’d never noticed it before is because it’s usually blocked by a giant display stand or sales table.
But why do that? Why spend extra money to make the glass look extra nice if you’re just going to cover it up? After all, aesthetics is one of the main reasons for using a decorative glass product—any type of decorative glass. And we all know that some of those techniques are much more expensive than sandblasted glass. You spent the money, so don’t hide it!
There is so much to this growing product segment, and that’s why we’re launching the new magazine. And we need your input. What are your thoughts on decorative glass, new products, trends and techniques? Where do you see it going and what would you like to see happen? Right now is such an amazing time for decorative glass. The market is just starting to take off and there is no telling how huge it will be; but huge, it definitely will be.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Decorative Displays
There’s no doubt that decorative architectural glass is a hot item with architects and designers, especially when it comes to interiors. It seems like when people think about glass the first thing that comes to mind is a window, but in reality, the possibilities are endless.
With that said, a good crowd of folks headed to Chicago earlier this week to search out the latest interior design innovations—including glass—at NeoCon® World’s Trade Fair. More than 1,200 showrooms and exhibitors offered the latest and greatest for all types of interiors: corporate hospitality, health care, retail, government, institutional and residential.
I did just a quick scan of the exhibitor list (available here http://www.neocon.com/exhibitor_listing.asp) and saw that companies like 3Form, Arch Deco Glass, Dorma Glas, Skyline Design, Meltdown Glass and Joel Berman Glass Studios, just to name a few, were there. Brian Pitman fro
m the Glass Association of North America sent me this picture he took at NeoCon in the 3Form booth. The company uses a variety of materials, including glass, to create architectural elements for use in applications such as walls, partitions, back splashes, doors, windows and many others.
Speaking of hot topics, NeoCon had information on a lot more than just glass. I took a peek at the seminar schedule and saw that on the first day alone nearly 30 percent of the presentations were titled to have a direct focus on green, energy, sustainability … if there are people out there who still don’t think green is here to stay, they are wrong. The world is changing and as individuals and as an industry it’s truly something we must embrace.
On a side note, if decorative glass is your game you will be excited to know that we’ll soon have a new publication designed specifically for you. Decorative Glass magazine will premier as part of the August USGlass magazine; the second issue will be published in November. I am really excited that we will be able to bring you this great new publication that will cater to innovations, trends, styles and needs that are unique to the decorative glazing industry. More info will be posted here as it becomes available! In the meantime, if you’ve got pictures, projects or story ideas that relate to decorative glass please send them my way.
With that said, a good crowd of folks headed to Chicago earlier this week to search out the latest interior design innovations—including glass—at NeoCon® World’s Trade Fair. More than 1,200 showrooms and exhibitors offered the latest and greatest for all types of interiors: corporate hospitality, health care, retail, government, institutional and residential.
I did just a quick scan of the exhibitor list (available here http://www.neocon.com/exhibitor_listing.asp) and saw that companies like 3Form, Arch Deco Glass, Dorma Glas, Skyline Design, Meltdown Glass and Joel Berman Glass Studios, just to name a few, were there. Brian Pitman fro
m the Glass Association of North America sent me this picture he took at NeoCon in the 3Form booth. The company uses a variety of materials, including glass, to create architectural elements for use in applications such as walls, partitions, back splashes, doors, windows and many others. Speaking of hot topics, NeoCon had information on a lot more than just glass. I took a peek at the seminar schedule and saw that on the first day alone nearly 30 percent of the presentations were titled to have a direct focus on green, energy, sustainability … if there are people out there who still don’t think green is here to stay, they are wrong. The world is changing and as individuals and as an industry it’s truly something we must embrace.
On a side note, if decorative glass is your game you will be excited to know that we’ll soon have a new publication designed specifically for you. Decorative Glass magazine will premier as part of the August USGlass magazine; the second issue will be published in November. I am really excited that we will be able to bring you this great new publication that will cater to innovations, trends, styles and needs that are unique to the decorative glazing industry. More info will be posted here as it becomes available! In the meantime, if you’ve got pictures, projects or story ideas that relate to decorative glass please send them my way.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Good-Bye Mr. Yenny
There’s a very small glass shop located not far from my house that I drive past everyday. Yenny’s Glass is anything but bustling; in fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone go in or out. I’d gone by there once, but it was closed. In fact, it was closed for business a lot.Today as I drove past it I saw auction signs all around it, saying the building and all of its contents will be auctioned off.
I got home and started thinking how much I regretted never getting back over to that store. Wanting to try and find out a bit more, I Googled it and found that Heiny Yenny, who had owned the store, died a few months ago. I never knew Mr. Yenny, but I felt sad and remorseful that I never made it back to his store when it was open.
I read his obituary and it said he was born in Biel, Switzerland on March 24, 1926. The glass shop he owned was founded by his father, and according to a company profile I found online Heiny Yenny was currently its only employee. As you might imagine, with such a small business there was not a lot of information available about it online. There was no website, but I did find it in an area business guide that said in addition to glass it sold paint and wallpaper.
I wanted to find out a bit more about Mr. Yenny and his work with glass. I read the guestbook on his obituary page and saw that several people had fond memories of him, thanks to his glass work.
One person wrote, “…We have some lovely glass pieces to remember him by.” Another said, “We have mirrors all over our house to remind us.” Another talked about having shared a hospital room with Mr. Yenny who had tried to show him how easy it was to cut glass.
There are glass shops, small and large, everywhere. Sometimes, though, they go unnoticed--especially the tiny ones. When I told my husband that Mr. Yenny, owner of Yenny’s Glass, had died, he had no idea there was even a glass shop in town. Made me wonder, what if Yenny's Glass had been consolidated as part of one of the big chains? It certainly happens often enough.
Earlier this week on the USGlass message forum (visit http://www.usgnn.com/ and click the Forum link) Paul Bieber wrote the following:
“We all know the independent auto glass shop is in steep decline. The nation-wide chains have been gobbling them up for years, forming national installation chains. Will this happen to flat glass, too? Will there be a consolidation of glaziers and glass shops? Would you join such a consolidation if the payment for your shop was adequate?”
It’s an interesting discussion topic and one on which your opinion is important. Let us know what you think.
Friday, May 30, 2008
So, What do You do?
Whenever I meet people for the first time and they ask me what I do for a living I usually begin with something like “I’m a writer for a magazine.” Because then their response is something like, “Oh how exciting! Which one? Cosmo? Vogue? Time? Newsweek?”
“Goodness, no,” I say. “Something much more exciting that those pubs (by the way, that’s magazine talk for ‘publication’). I write for USGlass magazine.” Of course I next have to explain USGlass, and they start to think that maybe writing for a magazine isn’t so exciting.
“But you’re wrong,” I say. We have just as much happening in our industry than you could read in Time or Newsweek … lots of good stuff is happening and even the not-so-good … not everyone or every company is perfect, you know.”
“How true,” they agree. “So what have you enjoyed the most?”
Now, you might think this is something I would have to think a lot about, but I don’t. I say that as a writer, I have the opportunity to take a subject about which I know very little, explore it, research it and learn something knew. Then, I like the fact that I can take what I’ve learned and translate it into an article, people will read it and then (hopefully) they, too, will have learned something as well.
Of course the next thing people ask is, “So what have you learned?”
At this point you might think I try and shift the focus away from me and my job with a “Why don’t you tell me about what you do,” bit, but I don’t. Instead I think back to some of the articles I have written ... I’ve learned that architects like glass because it helps distinguish their designs, provides for energy-efficiency, safety and security. This is certainly something we hear a lot about today, but I wrote about it back in 2000 (http://www.usglassmag.com/USGlass/2000/0004/0004goingagainstgrain.html).
When I wrote this article some designers talked about installing plank glass flooring; today we’ve got a glass floor that extends over the Grand Canyon.
What else … how about energy … for years we’ve been talking about how coatings on glass can help save on energy costs. Those started out as passive; now we’ve evolved to glass products you can actually turn and turn off.
Speaking of changes regarding energy, just consider the fact that the Department of Energy (DOE) is working on revising ENERGY STAR criteria. At the last NFRC meeting in Nashville, Richard Karney from the DOE said one reason the criteria is being changed is because in some areas codes have superseded ENERGY STAR, and that ENERGY STAR performance needs to be above that of the codes.
So what does all this mean and what have I learned? I’ve learned that the glass industry is dynamically changing—and for the better. It’s not only trendy with sparkly, pretty products, but it’s trendy in that it’s a green industry, too. And you know how big that is right now.
By this point in the conversation with my new-found friends, they’re usually way into writing about glass. And I say, “Well if you think writing about it is cool, you really should talk to the manufacturers, fabricators and glaziers out there because they are the ones who are really doing all this exciting work.”
“Goodness, no,” I say. “Something much more exciting that those pubs (by the way, that’s magazine talk for ‘publication’). I write for USGlass magazine.” Of course I next have to explain USGlass, and they start to think that maybe writing for a magazine isn’t so exciting.
“But you’re wrong,” I say. We have just as much happening in our industry than you could read in Time or Newsweek … lots of good stuff is happening and even the not-so-good … not everyone or every company is perfect, you know.”
“How true,” they agree. “So what have you enjoyed the most?”
Now, you might think this is something I would have to think a lot about, but I don’t. I say that as a writer, I have the opportunity to take a subject about which I know very little, explore it, research it and learn something knew. Then, I like the fact that I can take what I’ve learned and translate it into an article, people will read it and then (hopefully) they, too, will have learned something as well.
Of course the next thing people ask is, “So what have you learned?”
At this point you might think I try and shift the focus away from me and my job with a “Why don’t you tell me about what you do,” bit, but I don’t. Instead I think back to some of the articles I have written ... I’ve learned that architects like glass because it helps distinguish their designs, provides for energy-efficiency, safety and security. This is certainly something we hear a lot about today, but I wrote about it back in 2000 (http://www.usglassmag.com/USGlass/2000/0004/0004goingagainstgrain.html).
When I wrote this article some designers talked about installing plank glass flooring; today we’ve got a glass floor that extends over the Grand Canyon.
What else … how about energy … for years we’ve been talking about how coatings on glass can help save on energy costs. Those started out as passive; now we’ve evolved to glass products you can actually turn and turn off.
Speaking of changes regarding energy, just consider the fact that the Department of Energy (DOE) is working on revising ENERGY STAR criteria. At the last NFRC meeting in Nashville, Richard Karney from the DOE said one reason the criteria is being changed is because in some areas codes have superseded ENERGY STAR, and that ENERGY STAR performance needs to be above that of the codes.
So what does all this mean and what have I learned? I’ve learned that the glass industry is dynamically changing—and for the better. It’s not only trendy with sparkly, pretty products, but it’s trendy in that it’s a green industry, too. And you know how big that is right now.
By this point in the conversation with my new-found friends, they’re usually way into writing about glass. And I say, “Well if you think writing about it is cool, you really should talk to the manufacturers, fabricators and glaziers out there because they are the ones who are really doing all this exciting work.”
Friday, May 23, 2008
Be Prepared
The 2008 hurricane season starts just a little more than one week from today, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is urging everyone in those hurricane prone areas to be prepared and to have a hurricane plan. Thanks to stringent building codes and an increasing number of jurisdictions that have adopted them, the windows in homes and buildings in those areas are becoming safer, too.
And just what is the NOAA saying we can expect this year? A near normal or above normal hurricane season in the Atlantic basin. Near normal? Above normal? If you’re like me, reading that left you saying, “Huh?” So here’s what it means. The NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center Outlook indicates we can expect a 60 to 70 percent chance of 12 to 16 named storms, including 6 to 9 hurricanes and 2 to 5 major storms. And just in case you need a bit more clarification, a tropical system is named when it reaches tropical storm strength—winds of at least 39 miles per hour. Tropical storms become hurricanes at 74 miles per hour and major hurricanes when the winds hit 111 miles per hour.
With all of this in mind, what do you do to prepare for a storm? There’s a lot at stake and a lot to consider. So getting ready for a storm can be as simple as having cash on hand. For the “Steering Through the Storm” article in the July 2007 USGlass (http://www.usglassmag.com/USGlass/usgtoc/2007/July2007.htm) Norman Foxworth, owner of Dependable GlassWorks Inc. in Covington, La., talked to us about how his company survived Hurricane Katrina and some of the lessons he learned.
“You should start [preparing] at least two weeks before you know a storm is coming. You should check your supplies and check your generators and make sure you have the gasoline on hand to operate them,” Foxworth said. He also said employers should have enough cash on hand to take care of purchasing supplies, paying employees and buying gas, as after major storms, ATM machines are often shut down and a lot of gas stations might not be able to take a credit cards or personal/business checks. “The only thing that talks after a hurricane is cash,” Foxworth said.
By the way, next week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. The National Hurricane Center also offers advice for preparing for hurricanes, which you can read more about by clicking here: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml.
Let us know how you’re preparing for the 2008 hurricane season by posting your comments.
And just what is the NOAA saying we can expect this year? A near normal or above normal hurricane season in the Atlantic basin. Near normal? Above normal? If you’re like me, reading that left you saying, “Huh?” So here’s what it means. The NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center Outlook indicates we can expect a 60 to 70 percent chance of 12 to 16 named storms, including 6 to 9 hurricanes and 2 to 5 major storms. And just in case you need a bit more clarification, a tropical system is named when it reaches tropical storm strength—winds of at least 39 miles per hour. Tropical storms become hurricanes at 74 miles per hour and major hurricanes when the winds hit 111 miles per hour.
With all of this in mind, what do you do to prepare for a storm? There’s a lot at stake and a lot to consider. So getting ready for a storm can be as simple as having cash on hand. For the “Steering Through the Storm” article in the July 2007 USGlass (http://www.usglassmag.com/USGlass/usgtoc/2007/July2007.htm) Norman Foxworth, owner of Dependable GlassWorks Inc. in Covington, La., talked to us about how his company survived Hurricane Katrina and some of the lessons he learned.
“You should start [preparing] at least two weeks before you know a storm is coming. You should check your supplies and check your generators and make sure you have the gasoline on hand to operate them,” Foxworth said. He also said employers should have enough cash on hand to take care of purchasing supplies, paying employees and buying gas, as after major storms, ATM machines are often shut down and a lot of gas stations might not be able to take a credit cards or personal/business checks. “The only thing that talks after a hurricane is cash,” Foxworth said.
By the way, next week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. The National Hurricane Center also offers advice for preparing for hurricanes, which you can read more about by clicking here: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml.
Let us know how you’re preparing for the 2008 hurricane season by posting your comments.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Tower Talk
Ah, the city of Boston … home of the Celtics, the Red Sox, a famous tea party and Paul Revere’s ride. This week it’s home to the AIA Show, where I’m sure many glass folks are right now—and with good reason, too. It’s a great place to launch new products and innovations, and to really get those great ideas in front of architects, specifiers and designers.
Like many of the products on display inside the walls of the Boston Convention Center, the building itself is also a great display of glass and metal (check out the cover of the January 2005 USGlass by clicking here: http://www.usglassmag.com/USGlass/usgtoc/2005/Jan2005.html).
Architect for the job was HNTB/Rafael Viñoly and the contract glazier was the Canadian firm Ferguson-Neudorf Glass Inc. The job features a unitized curtainwall system, dry joint 1/8-inch plate panel system, a structural glass wall, as well as all glass revolving doors and entrance systems.
Architect for the job was HNTB/Rafael Viñoly and the contract glazier was the Canadian firm Ferguson-Neudorf Glass Inc. The job features a unitized curtainwall system, dry joint 1/8-inch plate panel system, a structural glass wall, as well as all glass revolving doors and entrance systems.
Boston definitely has a lot to offer when it comes to glass. Take the famous Hancock Tower for instance (thanks to www.freefoto.com for the image shown here). 
The tower is known for one of the most famous cases of glass breakage. For years it was a mystery … what caused all of those lites to break … windowpanes that plummeted hundreds of feet to the ground below? An article in the February 2001 USGlass written by Thomas A. Schwartz, P.E., principal investigator of the Hancock Tower glass breakage, says, “A gag order imposed on the parties to the resulting legal dispute prevented the release of the facts regarding the cause of the breakage—giving rise to many theories and myths, some of which exist to this day. Initially, many design professionals thought the reason for the breakage lay in the fact that the tower swayed excessively in the wind. Although it was indeed swaying substantially, this was not the reason for the glass breakage. Another hypothesis was that wind forces at hot spots, which resulted from the rhomboid shape of the tower, caused overstressing of the glass. Substantial hot spots did exist, but only a small percentage of the glass was subject to anything near the load for which it had been designed. Still another myth was that the windows broke because of the stress they endured from the settlement of the tower’s foundation.” Click here to read the entire article: http://www.usglassmag.com/USGlass/2001/0102/bad.html.
The tower is known for one of the most famous cases of glass breakage. For years it was a mystery … what caused all of those lites to break … windowpanes that plummeted hundreds of feet to the ground below? An article in the February 2001 USGlass written by Thomas A. Schwartz, P.E., principal investigator of the Hancock Tower glass breakage, says, “A gag order imposed on the parties to the resulting legal dispute prevented the release of the facts regarding the cause of the breakage—giving rise to many theories and myths, some of which exist to this day. Initially, many design professionals thought the reason for the breakage lay in the fact that the tower swayed excessively in the wind. Although it was indeed swaying substantially, this was not the reason for the glass breakage. Another hypothesis was that wind forces at hot spots, which resulted from the rhomboid shape of the tower, caused overstressing of the glass. Substantial hot spots did exist, but only a small percentage of the glass was subject to anything near the load for which it had been designed. Still another myth was that the windows broke because of the stress they endured from the settlement of the tower’s foundation.” Click here to read the entire article: http://www.usglassmag.com/USGlass/2001/0102/bad.html.So what was the cause? It was the IG.
“The insulating glass units that made up the façade were fabricated with a thin lead tape spacer to separate the two [lites] of glass. The tape was soldered to the glass after the edge of the glass was coated with a film of copper to make it more receptive to the solder. This created a tenacious bond between the spacer and the glass, which constituted the product’s greater strength as well as the source of it demise.” The article goes on to explain that by the late 1960s, large-size glass with tints and reflective coatings were architecturally popular. “The large sizes and increased thermal loads associated with the tints and coatings caused substantial differential movement and increased stress along the glass-to-tape bond,” eventually causing the bond to separate. In some areas the bond was so strong that the tape ripped tiny pieces of glass from the surface.
So there you have it--the story of that famous glass breakage. While you’re in Boston, if you have time to take a walk, maybe you can see the Hancock Tower yourself and share this history tid-bit with some of the tourists passing by.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Surprising Surcharge
It’s pretty pathetic that the other day I got excited over the fact that I found gas for $3.69 (most other places around here are at $3.79). This feeling of jubilance was shattered the next day when I took a look at the receipt for my mom’s Mother’s Day gift (a lovely bouquet of cookies). Right between the subtotal and the shipping charge there it was: FUEL SURCHARGE! Are they kidding me?
Over the years I’ve written a number of news stories talking about how glass companies are handling the fuel surcharges with which they’ve been faced. I’ve talked to many of you in the industry asking for comments as to how you’re coping with the surcharges that are passed on and passed on and passed on. More often than not, you tell me, you either pass it on to your customers or absorb it. Well, I certainly can’t pass the $4.93 surcharge on to my mom (not after everything I put her through growing up), so it looks like I’m just gonna have to absorb it. And while I know that my $4.93 surcharge may seem like peanuts compared to the ones with which you’ve been faced, let me tell you, I’m still feeling your pain.
With all this talk about increasing costs and surcharges, I decided to look back at some of the fuel-related articles from USGNN.com I went back to 2004, the beginning of our online archives, and searched for “surcharge.” Three stories came up—two were announcing suppliers’ surcharges; another talked about how Desert Glass Products in Las Vegas was adjusting its prices as a result of surcharges from float glass companies (http://www.usgnn.com/newsdesertglass051704.htm). Just for the heck of it I next looked up what the average cost of a gallon of gas was in 2004 … $1.85. That’s half of the $3.69 for which I rejoiced just the other day. This has to stop soon … doesn’t it?
But then again, if certain analysts’ predictions are true, maybe current gas prices aren’t so bad. I heard one group forecasting $200 a barrel prices for next year, which would mean $6 or $7 a gallon for us. Yikes! I don’t know about you, but if that’s what we have to look forward to I’m going to be spending a lot more time on my bike!
Over the years I’ve written a number of news stories talking about how glass companies are handling the fuel surcharges with which they’ve been faced. I’ve talked to many of you in the industry asking for comments as to how you’re coping with the surcharges that are passed on and passed on and passed on. More often than not, you tell me, you either pass it on to your customers or absorb it. Well, I certainly can’t pass the $4.93 surcharge on to my mom (not after everything I put her through growing up), so it looks like I’m just gonna have to absorb it. And while I know that my $4.93 surcharge may seem like peanuts compared to the ones with which you’ve been faced, let me tell you, I’m still feeling your pain.
With all this talk about increasing costs and surcharges, I decided to look back at some of the fuel-related articles from USGNN.com I went back to 2004, the beginning of our online archives, and searched for “surcharge.” Three stories came up—two were announcing suppliers’ surcharges; another talked about how Desert Glass Products in Las Vegas was adjusting its prices as a result of surcharges from float glass companies (http://www.usgnn.com/newsdesertglass051704.htm). Just for the heck of it I next looked up what the average cost of a gallon of gas was in 2004 … $1.85. That’s half of the $3.69 for which I rejoiced just the other day. This has to stop soon … doesn’t it?
But then again, if certain analysts’ predictions are true, maybe current gas prices aren’t so bad. I heard one group forecasting $200 a barrel prices for next year, which would mean $6 or $7 a gallon for us. Yikes! I don’t know about you, but if that’s what we have to look forward to I’m going to be spending a lot more time on my bike!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Stormy Thoughts
It may seem a bit early to talk about hurricanes, considering the official season doesn’t begin until next month, but it’s already a discussion topic. Last week during Glass Fabrication in Vegas several presentations touched on the subject and just today I was assigned two articles relating to hurricane glazing. Next, a Google search brought me to this link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/09/tech/main4004068.shtml?source=RSSattr=U.S._4004068, which says we can all expect a stormy 2008 season with at least 15 named Atlantic storms projected. Speaking of hurricane names, here’s a look at what the NOAA is calling this year’s batch: Arthur; Bertha; Cristobal; Dolly; Edouard; Fay; Gustav; Hanna; Ike; Josephine; Kyle; Laura; Marco; Nana; Omar; Paloma; Rene; Sally; Teddy; Vicky; and Wilfred.
I know lots of people who’ve lived through major hurricanes. It’s not easy, I know. I was living in Raleigh, N.C. in 1996 when hurricane Fran pounded the coast, even making it’s way north and across the center of the state. The storm was downgraded to a tropical depression by the time it passed over Raleigh, but it still resulted in massive damage and flooding. I was lucky enough to be without power for only three days; there were others without it for nearly two weeks. In the days immediately following the storm, stores were closed, restaurants were closed, there was no ice and no water.
If you’re not familiar with exactly where Raleigh is located, it’s a good two hours drive time inland from the beach. It just goes to show, you don’t have to be in a coastal location to be affected by a hurricane, as the impact can be far-reaching.
We’ve certainly seen the use of impact-resistant windows in use along the coast as code requirements are continuing to evolve. One of my favorite HGTV programs is “My House is Worth What?” If you’ve never seen it, it’s a show where homeowners have a real estate agent come to their house to determine for how much they could list it, should they want to sell. They do a walk through and look at the features, the upgrades, the good and the bad. For example, a house with only one bathroom isn’t going to be big with home buyers, but a giant, luxurious master suite can add serious value. With the homes in South Florida, one thing I hear a lot is that the homeowners upgraded their windows to ones that are hurricane resistant and the real estate expert always, always, always says that doing so is a huge plus.
Everyone always learns from his or her experiences. It would be interesting to hear what you have learned from your own hurricane experiences. Feel free to share your thoughts here.
I know lots of people who’ve lived through major hurricanes. It’s not easy, I know. I was living in Raleigh, N.C. in 1996 when hurricane Fran pounded the coast, even making it’s way north and across the center of the state. The storm was downgraded to a tropical depression by the time it passed over Raleigh, but it still resulted in massive damage and flooding. I was lucky enough to be without power for only three days; there were others without it for nearly two weeks. In the days immediately following the storm, stores were closed, restaurants were closed, there was no ice and no water.
If you’re not familiar with exactly where Raleigh is located, it’s a good two hours drive time inland from the beach. It just goes to show, you don’t have to be in a coastal location to be affected by a hurricane, as the impact can be far-reaching.
We’ve certainly seen the use of impact-resistant windows in use along the coast as code requirements are continuing to evolve. One of my favorite HGTV programs is “My House is Worth What?” If you’ve never seen it, it’s a show where homeowners have a real estate agent come to their house to determine for how much they could list it, should they want to sell. They do a walk through and look at the features, the upgrades, the good and the bad. For example, a house with only one bathroom isn’t going to be big with home buyers, but a giant, luxurious master suite can add serious value. With the homes in South Florida, one thing I hear a lot is that the homeowners upgraded their windows to ones that are hurricane resistant and the real estate expert always, always, always says that doing so is a huge plus.
Everyone always learns from his or her experiences. It would be interesting to hear what you have learned from your own hurricane experiences. Feel free to share your thoughts here.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Lights, Camera, Action!
Even before I hopped my plan for Vegas this past Monday morning I was thinking about glass. Anyone whose ever walked from the Pittsburgh airport parking lot to the terminal … well … let’s back up and re-phrase that to say any glass person walking from the parking lot to the terminal has certainly noticed the display of roller-wave distortion in the walls of windows along the way. Going back to my original thought, I’m sure even the non-glass folks have seen the ripples and just didn’t know what they were or why they were there.
So certainly roller wave distortion, as well as other tempering topics, were on the agenda this past week as part of GANA’s Glass Fabrication & Glazing Educational Conference, which took place in Vegas. If you’re not familiar, it’s an event that’s ideal for those relatively new to the industry as it serves up a program of essential information that everyone in the glass industry should know, from taking care of those tempering furnace rolls, to cleaning and handling glass, as well as a look at industry-specific codes, standards and market trends.
Those of us attending for USGNN.com and USGlass magazine are used to reporting on industry events and conferences by way of the written word. But this past week we all took it a step forward when we did some on-camera reporting. Now I, personally, have a tendency to get all stressed out before trying anything new, be it eating escargot or doing an on-camera interview. I wasn’t sure of how I would sound, if I would, and um, between every other word … it was just nerve-wracking for me at first! But once I did it, I have to admit, it was a lot of fun. Check out some of the interviews at www.usgnn.com.
So certainly roller wave distortion, as well as other tempering topics, were on the agenda this past week as part of GANA’s Glass Fabrication & Glazing Educational Conference, which took place in Vegas. If you’re not familiar, it’s an event that’s ideal for those relatively new to the industry as it serves up a program of essential information that everyone in the glass industry should know, from taking care of those tempering furnace rolls, to cleaning and handling glass, as well as a look at industry-specific codes, standards and market trends.
Those of us attending for USGNN.com and USGlass magazine are used to reporting on industry events and conferences by way of the written word. But this past week we all took it a step forward when we did some on-camera reporting. Now I, personally, have a tendency to get all stressed out before trying anything new, be it eating escargot or doing an on-camera interview. I wasn’t sure of how I would sound, if I would, and um, between every other word … it was just nerve-wracking for me at first! But once I did it, I have to admit, it was a lot of fun. Check out some of the interviews at www.usgnn.com.
Speaking of this past week, you probably know we celebrated Earth Day on Tuesday. Greg Saroka, president of Goldray Industries, talked to USGlass publisher Deb Levy about some of what his company is doing to be a "greener" glass company (you can see that interview from Glass Fab on www.usgnn.com, too). There's lots we all can do--individually and as an industry--to help protect the earth and the environment. Please share your ideas by posting a comment here or sending me an email.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Vegas Bound
Like lots of people who travel often, I’ve been to Vegas many, many times. The first time I was there I hated it, really, really didn’t like it one bit. Second time, still not crazy about it, third time, OK, it’s growing on me a bit. Today, I’m not sure how many times I’ve been there (I know it’s a double-digit figure), but I’ve grown to find the city somewhat enjoyable. Please note, I said somewhat. I’m not a gambler by any stretch, but I do enjoy the nice restaurants and the fabulous shopping. I’m also rather fond of the architecture specifically, the glass.
Few hotels, casinos or condos along the Las Vegas strip (and even those off the strip) are without an eye-catching glazing display. I mean really … Vegas would just not be Vegas without shiny, shimmering, colorful glass, right? Ya’ll know this; Vegas was made for the glass industry.
So it’s with great excitement that I will be returning to Las Vegas next week to take part in GANA’s Glass Fabrication 2008 conference. While the presentations and speakers are always top-notch, I’m particularly looking forward to the high-rise construction tour on Monday afternoon. This special event will allow those of us on the tour to really take in the current Vegas construction boom. And I am sure that my glass mentor, the great C. Gregory Carney, will be there to guide us along the way, sharing his insight and knowledge. Indeed, the tour will be fun and the conference educational.
In addition to Glass Fabrication, GANA’s Contract Glazing Educational Conference will also be taking part concurrently. A hot presentation topic that will be new this year is a discussion on Google Sketch-Up, imaging modeling software. If you’re not too familiar with this, it’s something you’ll be hearing a lot about in the near future. If you’ve not yet read your April USGlass, check out this article I wrote about BIM: http://www.usglassmag.com/USGlass/2008/April/modelapproach.htm. BIM may take a while to catch on, but the consensus seems to be it’s definitely here to stay.
Few hotels, casinos or condos along the Las Vegas strip (and even those off the strip) are without an eye-catching glazing display. I mean really … Vegas would just not be Vegas without shiny, shimmering, colorful glass, right? Ya’ll know this; Vegas was made for the glass industry.
So it’s with great excitement that I will be returning to Las Vegas next week to take part in GANA’s Glass Fabrication 2008 conference. While the presentations and speakers are always top-notch, I’m particularly looking forward to the high-rise construction tour on Monday afternoon. This special event will allow those of us on the tour to really take in the current Vegas construction boom. And I am sure that my glass mentor, the great C. Gregory Carney, will be there to guide us along the way, sharing his insight and knowledge. Indeed, the tour will be fun and the conference educational.
In addition to Glass Fabrication, GANA’s Contract Glazing Educational Conference will also be taking part concurrently. A hot presentation topic that will be new this year is a discussion on Google Sketch-Up, imaging modeling software. If you’re not too familiar with this, it’s something you’ll be hearing a lot about in the near future. If you’ve not yet read your April USGlass, check out this article I wrote about BIM: http://www.usglassmag.com/USGlass/2008/April/modelapproach.htm. BIM may take a while to catch on, but the consensus seems to be it’s definitely here to stay.
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Big Oops
Faced with the reality that the national average cost of gas is about $3.36 cents, it’s tough to not talk about energy costs, gas prices and the like. Earlier this week on April 8, the Alliance to Save Energy issued a statement saying it was urging consumers to help tackle spiraling energy prices by reducing consumption.
That same day Saflex® announced tit would be implementing a price increase of up to 40 percent, effective May 1, on its PVB sheet products to address the rising raw material, energy and transportation costs. You can read the entire release at www.usgnn.com. Of course, Saflex isn’t the only company that’s had to raise prices. Many have and many will be doing so soon, I’m sure.
But enough about increasing costs … they are here to stay and all we can do is try and save energy—individually or on a global basis. There’s a lot of good that can come from trying to live a greener life, and believe it or not, there are still some people not familiar with “living green.” Just a few weeks ago, in fact, I was explaining it to someone … it’s not that difficult to be green and just because you are doesn’t necessarily make you a tree-hugger. And actually, if we all were a little more earth conscious would it really be so bad?
Some of you have probably heard me talk about my sister, my little tree-hugger, who's beenin California teaching outdoor education since 2002. I’ve learned a lot from her and in many ways I am trying to live more like she does – taking my own bags to the grocery door, turning off lights when I leave a room, recycle … I’ve learned that I can’t do everything to fix the problem; I just do what I can and the more little things we can do the better.
And on another note … we all know no one’s perfect, right? Just this week Max wrote in his blog about the CrystalGrey oops in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. I’d also like to share an oops that I saw in a magazine, Country Living, it was (bear in mind, that having been a magazine editor for a good number of years, I pretty much can’t open a magazine [or a book, restaurant menu or newspaper] and not find an oops).
So anyway, I’m reading this great little article about how we can all make our homes more green—50 ways to be exact. And, there it is, right in the middle (or almost), number 22: “Prevent heat loss and gain inside your home by installing double- or triple-glazed windows … you may save more than 30 percent on energy costs by doing so.” Sounds good, right? There’s more. “Look for windows with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR label …” Huh?
The EPA? Last I checked ENERGY STAR was a DOE program. Sounds like the editors at Country Living forgot to do some fact checking. Don’t worry, I’m sending an email to make them aware of their oops.
That same day Saflex® announced tit would be implementing a price increase of up to 40 percent, effective May 1, on its PVB sheet products to address the rising raw material, energy and transportation costs. You can read the entire release at www.usgnn.com. Of course, Saflex isn’t the only company that’s had to raise prices. Many have and many will be doing so soon, I’m sure.
But enough about increasing costs … they are here to stay and all we can do is try and save energy—individually or on a global basis. There’s a lot of good that can come from trying to live a greener life, and believe it or not, there are still some people not familiar with “living green.” Just a few weeks ago, in fact, I was explaining it to someone … it’s not that difficult to be green and just because you are doesn’t necessarily make you a tree-hugger. And actually, if we all were a little more earth conscious would it really be so bad?
Some of you have probably heard me talk about my sister, my little tree-hugger, who's beenin California teaching outdoor education since 2002. I’ve learned a lot from her and in many ways I am trying to live more like she does – taking my own bags to the grocery door, turning off lights when I leave a room, recycle … I’ve learned that I can’t do everything to fix the problem; I just do what I can and the more little things we can do the better.
And on another note … we all know no one’s perfect, right? Just this week Max wrote in his blog about the CrystalGrey oops in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. I’d also like to share an oops that I saw in a magazine, Country Living, it was (bear in mind, that having been a magazine editor for a good number of years, I pretty much can’t open a magazine [or a book, restaurant menu or newspaper] and not find an oops).
So anyway, I’m reading this great little article about how we can all make our homes more green—50 ways to be exact. And, there it is, right in the middle (or almost), number 22: “Prevent heat loss and gain inside your home by installing double- or triple-glazed windows … you may save more than 30 percent on energy costs by doing so.” Sounds good, right? There’s more. “Look for windows with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR label …” Huh?
The EPA? Last I checked ENERGY STAR was a DOE program. Sounds like the editors at Country Living forgot to do some fact checking. Don’t worry, I’m sending an email to make them aware of their oops.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
About a year ago I visited Martinsburg, W.Va. If you’re not familiar with it, I’m not surprised. It’s a small little town that’s located maybe 2 hours west of Washington, D.C. The town’s not far from Harper’s Ferry if that gives you any remote idea as to the location of which I speak. So, while the town wasn’t much to talk about I did find a great little shop called West Virginia Glass that sold hand-made, decorative glass items. Now this is my kind of place! I remember thinking, praying, as I walked through the door, I could maintain some spending control. 
Sure, it was hard to not buy every beautiful vase, display bowl, even sculptures and art. There was a lot I would like to have bought. I finally narrowed my selection to two Blenko Glass pieces (www.blenkoglass.com): a yellow sunflower bowl or limited edition amethyst bowl. Decisions, decisions … while sunflowers are my favorite flower, I’m also a stickler for anything “limited edition.” So, in the end, the purple bowl won out. I took a picture … but it’s hard to see all of the color and details … sorry, it’s a pretty dismal day.
Since I got started in this business and learning about glass--mostly architectural—I am still so fascinated by how absolutely beautiful glass is. What you and I know, that many others do not know, is how simple a material glass really is. It’s the skill and craftsmanship that truly create such works of art.
I started thinking about decorative and art glass for a couple of reasons. The simplest of which was the fact that earlier this week while shopping for a wedding shower gift I found myself in a store that sold Blenko Glass. The bowl was green and when you looked straight down on it, it resembled a starfish. I resisted the urge to buy it.
More specific to the flat glass industry, I’ve been talking to a lot of companies that make decorative door panels and sidelites. Looking at their catalogs and websites, it’s clear that incorporating these products into a home can, in some cases, really be like adding a work of art to the architecture.
Glass really can be pretty amazing and never fails to impress me.
Sure, it was hard to not buy every beautiful vase, display bowl, even sculptures and art. There was a lot I would like to have bought. I finally narrowed my selection to two Blenko Glass pieces (www.blenkoglass.com): a yellow sunflower bowl or limited edition amethyst bowl. Decisions, decisions … while sunflowers are my favorite flower, I’m also a stickler for anything “limited edition.” So, in the end, the purple bowl won out. I took a picture … but it’s hard to see all of the color and details … sorry, it’s a pretty dismal day.
Since I got started in this business and learning about glass--mostly architectural—I am still so fascinated by how absolutely beautiful glass is. What you and I know, that many others do not know, is how simple a material glass really is. It’s the skill and craftsmanship that truly create such works of art.
I started thinking about decorative and art glass for a couple of reasons. The simplest of which was the fact that earlier this week while shopping for a wedding shower gift I found myself in a store that sold Blenko Glass. The bowl was green and when you looked straight down on it, it resembled a starfish. I resisted the urge to buy it.
More specific to the flat glass industry, I’ve been talking to a lot of companies that make decorative door panels and sidelites. Looking at their catalogs and websites, it’s clear that incorporating these products into a home can, in some cases, really be like adding a work of art to the architecture.
Glass really can be pretty amazing and never fails to impress me.
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