Role of Glass in Automotive Design Synthesis: Functional and Aesthetic Aspects
Role of Glass in Automotive Design Synthesis: Functional and Aesthetic Aspects George D. Liamadis Dipl Arch, PgD/MA Automotive Design Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Keywords Due to the continuous technical progress of Introduction glass as a material, designers are now able to make increasing use of transparent areas in Transparency plays a significant role in automobiles. Glass plays a key role in the synthesis, whether research is upon architectural, synthesis of automotive forms, determining the industrial or automotive design. relation between full and empty space, and the The evolution of automotive forms, has always contrast of light and dark areas. Due to its sleek, been to some extend dictated by the physical limits highly reflective surface, glass further emphasizes imposed by glass as a material. Today, the form of the car, through the reflections of light approximately 15-20% of a car’s external surface Poster 20 and the surroundings on panels. Extended glass is glass, percentage which is subject to further surfaces are perceived as a styling element related increase, bearing in mind the enhanced freedom to advanced automotive technology. Size of offered to designers by the continuous progress of windows, not only indicate the typology and glass as a material and the introduction of plastic character of the vehicle in terms of styling, but also alternatives such as polycarbonate. Glass, apart determine driver and passenger’s perception of from the major and archetypical role of providing internal space, speed and safety. While small glass a closed and yet transparent cell that turns driving surfaces are used by some manufacturers to into an all-weather activity, is now commissioned create close, protective interiors and robust to satisfy various other functional and aesthetic exteriors to make cars look and feel more safe, requirements in automotive design and styling.
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