Façade with prismatic cut glass and physical light effects
Project
The Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, is a leading research institution founded in 1930. Albert Einstein was one of the first and most renowned scientists to work there, and he significantly contributed to the development of the institute as a center for theoretical research. The façades of the new "Rubenstein Commons" building, designed by Steven Holl, incorporate physical light effects as a tribute to Albert Einstein's work.
Wide-spanning vertical glazing with prismatically cut and chemically tempered glass
Facade Design
The façade generally consists of two different types: a wide-spanning steel post-and-beam façade with slim T-profiles and frameless, partially curved skylights. Part of the glazing is made of prismatic glass, executed as laminated safety glass with an outer pane 19 mm thick. These 19 mm thick glass panes were ground into a prismatic geometry and then chemically tempered to increase their strength.
Thermal Analysis of interface details
Thermal Analysis
The slender view widths of the construction and the minimalistic design of the structural interfaces between the glass facades, roofs, and precast concrete elements with internal insulation required thermal analyses with the goal of preventing condensation and mold growth.
Gallery
Project data
Client Institute for Advanced Study
Architect Steven Holl Architects
Finalization 10.2022
Services facade design, special structures
