why architects prefer to use a large number of glass curtain walls in architectural design

Architects' preference for using large expanses of glass curtain walls in building design stems from a variety of reasons that encompass both the physical properties of the material and trends and philosophies in architectural design. Here is a detailed explanation of this phenomenon:

1. Aesthetic Value: Glass curtain walls offer a modern, clean, and visually striking appearance for buildings. They reflect the sky and surrounding environment, integrating the structure with its landscape and creating a unique visual effect. The transparency of glass also enhances the sense of lightness and spatiality of a building, adding a contemporary touch to the urban skyline.

2. Natural Light: Glass curtain walls maximize the admission of natural light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting. This not only helps conserve energy but also improves the comfort of the indoor environment and the well-being of occupants. Natural light is also known to increase work efficiency and learning outcomes.

3. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Modern glass curtain walls, with their special low-emissivity coatings and insulated glass designs, effectively insulate and maintain temperature, reducing the energy consumption for heating and cooling. This energy-saving characteristic aligns with current sustainability trends and helps buildings achieve higher energy efficiency standards.

4. Flexibility and Diversity: Glass curtain walls offer great flexibility in design and installation. Architects can choose from a variety of glass types, shapes, colors, and textures to create diverse architectural facades. Additionally, glass curtain walls can be combined with other materials such as metal frames to create composite facade effects.

5. Structural Advantages: As a non-load-bearing exterior wall system, glass curtain walls can reduce the burden on the building structure. Typically supported by metal frames, they allow for larger window-to-wall ratios while maintaining structural stability and safety.

6. Visual Continuity: Glass curtain walls provide unobstructed views, visually connecting interior and exterior spaces. This design blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, enhancing the flow and connectivity of spaces, and improving the experience of living and working.

7. Cultural and Symbolic Meaning: In modern architecture, glass curtain walls often symbolize openness, transparency, and modernity. These symbolic meanings resonate with the image and values of many institutions and enterprises, leading them to prefer glass curtain walls to express their brand identity and cultural idea.

8. Technological Advancements: With advancements in glass manufacturing technology, new types of glass products such as smart tinted glass and photovoltaic glass have emerged, offering architects more design options and possibilities. These technological developments have also propelled the widespread use of glass curtain walls in architectural practice.

In summary, glass curtain walls are an indispensable element in contemporary architectural design due to their aesthetic value, natural light benefits, energy efficiency, design flexibility, structural advantages, visual continuity, cultural symbolism, and technological progress. As technology continues to evolve and design philosophies are refreshed, glass curtain walls are expected to continue playing a significant role in future architectural practices.