Is glass a liability in Gulf architecture?
In the more moderate climates of Europe, North America and parts of Asia, glass can be an extremely versatile material that can simultaneously addresses efficiency and design challenges. But, climates in the Gulf are harsher; they require materials that function at higher levels and, therefore, require careful consideration during design and specification. Chad Oppenheim, founder and principal of Miami-based Oppenheim Architecture + Design, often says: “Building glass refrigerators in the desert doesn’t make a lot of sense.” His logic is doubly poignant given his experience working in a solar-heavy climates and the number of projects OA+D has completed in Miami. So, the obvious question remains, is glass a liability in the Gulf? The architects, engineers and LEED APs interviewed for this article suggest it just might be. “I think any material can be a ‘liability’ if used improperly or unwisely, or where all considerations in the use of that material are not considered,” says Bohlen. “W
