Embodiments of Glass - Conversation on working with glass in art and architecture

Material Talks is a series of conversations bringing together architectural and artistic knowledge curated and moderated by Line Kjær Frederiksen, Center for Material Studies (CEMAS). Through critical dialogue the talks explore aspects of selected materials for broadening the understanding of their meanings and significance. This is the second event with artist Maria Koshenkova and architect Morten Emil Engel on working with glass. 

Today glass is used extensively in architecture because it combines transparency, light and enclosure. The material’s extreme versatility is highly fascinating, but use of glass in Danish architecture seems limited to very few types. Made from natural minerals melted at high temperatures, it is a precious and energy intensive material with qualities highly depending on methods of production. 

Industrial production offers comprehensive control of the material for large formats with technical precision. The Opera Park pavilion is a current example of this, where the walls are made from large, curved glass panes to create a seamless division between the indoors and outdoors, blurring one’s spatial perception where the curves overlap. 

On the other hand, handcrafting glass limits the scale and control of the material but gives way for it’s more expressive qualities. Stretching, blowing and molding glass in vivid colors and textures, Maria Koshenkova’s sculptures looks like they once were a part of something living.

The talk takes place in VILLUM Window Collection, which displays a vast collection of historic windows, as well as the current exhibition Window Behaviorology by professor Yoshiharu Tsukamoto (Ateliér Bow-Wow). The museum is open before the talk, so don’t miss your chance to visit. Entrance to the talk and museum is free.

These talks are part of a research project from the Royal Danish Academy - Center for Material Studies, and supported by Danish Arts Foundations.