Of all the materials that can be 3D-printed, glass is still one of the most challenging to work with. Scientists at Switzerland’s ETH Zurich research centre are working on changing that with a new better glass-printing technique: Source
Work is nearing completion on a supertall skyscraper in New York City that will boast the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. The observation deck itself is named the Edge and is located near the top of the tower at the 100th floor, which is a height of 344 m. It juts out 24.8 m and measures 696 sq m. It has a large glazed section at its centre and angled glass walls allowing visitors to lean out over the city streets below.
Structurally, the observation deck consists of 278 sq m of glass, divided into 79 panels that were made in Germany and Italy. Each panel is 2.7 m tall and weighs 544 kg. The whole thing is bolted together and anchored to the east- and south-facing sides of the skyscraper and weighs in at 346,998 kg.
The Edge is due to open in March 2020, and if you’re so inclined, you can book your tickets now.
Looking for resources to help you revitilise the Māori language this week. This is a great resource
Released this week the National Construction Pipeline report provides a forward view of national building and construction activity over a six-year period. Key predictions:
Access the full report here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A window film with a specially designed molecule could be capable of taking the edge off the worst midday heat and instead distributing it evenly from morning to evening. The molecule has the unique ability to capture energy from the sun’s rays and release it later as heat. Read more here. Why don’t they just introduce these molecules into the glass???
The Deakin School of Engineering researchers have discovered ground recycled or waste glass can be used instead of sand when making polymer concrete, a material often used in industrial flooring. Read more here