Book excerpt: An overview of the art and science of glass in architecture. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the art and science of glass use, demonstrating its historical importance in paving the way for a closer synergy between the designer and technologist. In addition to providing a historical context for glass architecture, the central section of the book presents 20 international detailed case studies of contemporary glass buildings showing the range of applications in a variety of situations, large and small. The book also explores the potential for the future, as new materials move from the abstract world of technical research into realization; a detailed appendix provides a full review of the science of glass, with a section on design and performance.