Blog

Contemporary Architectural Glass after Taut

 

Speaking of Bruno Taut recently, there are two significant works of contemporary architectural glass in London that bring the Glass Pavilion to mind every time I see them — City Hall and the Swiss Re Headquarters, both conceived by English architect Norman Foster (Foster + Partners). On the surface, Foster’s design process has little in common with Taut’s vision; but still, seeing and experiencing the finished products, one can’t help but imagine Foster might have been influenced by Taut somewhere down the line.

 

 

London’s City Hall — or “The Onion,” as some like to call it — opened in 2002 and houses the Greater London Authority. A double facade of glass envelopes a modified sphere, which has no particular “front” or “back.” Foster notes that the shape of the building and the choice to use glass express “the transparency and accessibility of the democratic process and demonstrating the potential for a sustainable, virtually non-polluting public building.” Indeed, on the surface, minimal energy consumption appears to have been a primary concern that led to certain design choices. Yet in all its slick ecofriendly modernity, one can’t help but sense echoes of Taut’s interest in temple-like structures that evoke emotion and contemplation. Whether watching it reflect light on the outside or gazing up through its spiraling levels on the inside, Foster’s City Hall maintains a strangely ethereal presence amidst the bustling south bank of the Thames.

 

 

The Swiss Re Headquarters — quite widely and fondly known as “The Gherkin” (a kind of small cucumber, for U.S. folks not familiar with the term; do you see a theme emerging in Foster’s work?) — is located at 30 St. Mary Axe. Completed in 2004, it’s now one of London’s most recognisable landmarks, an unmistakable part of the skyline. Again, Foster’s design was rooted in practical concerns; limited space led to the slender round approach, while environmental considerations led to the alternating pattern of light and dark double-glazed glass windows (which provide insulation and reduce energy use). Yet a certain Taut-like spirit is felt in the shape, the delicate decorative feel of the glass, the play of light, and especially in the marvelous reflections and shadows cast on the sidewalk surrounding the building.

 

 

If you’re in or happen to be passing through London, both of these buildings are worth checking out —whether you’re interested in great examples of contemporary architectural glass or simply craving a moment of glass-inspired transcendence.