Center for Integrated Building Design Research Jan 2009 | Page 20

PRECEDENT

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Glass Center
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The Pittsburgh Glass Center is an addition
to an existing building that clearly has
its own identity, but maintains logical
connections to the pre-existing structure
through circulation. The Glass Center houses
studios and workshops as well as gathering
spaces and conference areas. The kilns and
furnaces used in the shops emit thermal
excess, which is collected and redirected to
heat other portions of the building. Active
spaces have minimal duct work , reducing
the amount of energy that would be required
to move air unnecessarily. This building is
constructed mostly of unfinished materials,
which reduces the impact caused by VOCs
and toxic finishes.