Technology & Conservation, the MIT Department of Architecture’s Building Technology Program and the Boston Society of Architects/AIA’s Historic Resources Committee will host a conference and training program titled “Glass & Glazing in the 21st Century.” Scheduled to take place March 20-21, the conference will be held on the MIT campus in Cambridge, Mass., and will focus on developments in architectural glasses for structural, energy saving and decorative uses in new building facades, envelopes and monuments, as well as their application in the restoration and upgrading of existing structures.

All of the sessions are designed to offer attendees insights into the performance of glass and glazing in the outdoor environment and the appropriate selection, specification, use and maintenance of glass materials for existing and new buildings and artistic works.

Topics to be discussed include: the basic material properties of glass; the role of thermal, mechanical, structural and chemical properties on performance and durability; the effects of environmental conditions; how these material characteristics and interactions need to be considered in specifying glass for new designs and for restoration/preservation projects; new developments in manufacturing and fabrication operations and in construction techniques; strategies for determining and evaluating deterioration and procedures for replicating historic appearance; and viable approaches to preservation/maintenance planning, facilities management, and repair/replacement programs, for both old and new structures.

Among the scheduled conference speakers are James Carpenter of James Carpenter Design Associates Inc. presenting on “The Structure of Transparency: Light in the Public Realm;” David A. Wennekamp, project executive for Ipswich Bay Glass Co. offering an “Installer’s Viewpoint;” Christopher Barry of Pilkington speaking on “Manufacturing Developments and Fabrication Techniques/Limitations;” Viracon’s Don McCann’s presentation on “Coatings on Glass and Fritting;” and a talk on “Energy and Sustainability Aspects of Glass/Glazing: Realistic Expectations” from Stephen Selkowitz of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the program.