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Advertising supplement provided by Pittsburgh Corning

The article From Translucent to Opaque: Accessing the Unique Design Dynamics of Glass Block presents the inherent properties of this material that provides the following desired characteristics:

• Durability
• Security
• Low maintenance
• Vandal resistance
• Fire resistance
• Earthquake resistance.

Also discussed was the dynamic relationship that glass block has with light - both natural and artificial. As the light changes so does the material's appearance. The transparency of that light depends on the pattern, type and size of glass block used. The result is maximum light transmission to increasing degrees of privacy, diffraction, or refraction. Even with the most opaque or the use of glass blocks as accent pieces, the result is the same - a visual connection from inside to out.

The effect of artificial light on glass block can be a more controlled component glass block, which varies dramatically with the type and intensity of light. Even before considering light source, though, consider glass block pattern for light travels in a straight line. The irregularities of the pattern of glass block are what cause it to glow. Therefore, as the distortion or pattern increases in the glass block, the stronger the light or colored light will be in the entire panel.

In architectural application, halogen, incandescent and florescent light sources are the most commonly used.

• To evenly light glass block, use a "wall washing" technique by placing the light source 12 inches to 18 inches in front or behind the panel. Keep the light source parallel to the face of the panel, in horizontal or vertical configurations.
• If focused directly on the glass block panel (such as a spot light technique), the sidewalls of the block and mortar will contain the light within small areas for an uneven effect. To ensure an even lighting effect, space the light sources evenly every 12 inches to 18 inches including along the ceiling or side walls.
• It's no surprise that curved or angular panels require different light fixture placement and require both horizontally and vertically placed lights. When combining different types of light sources, the use of the same color spectrum will bring a more uniform effect. At the same time, different colored lights can bring special effects.
• If randomly placed behind a glass block panel, neon tube lighting can create special "hot spots." For more even lighting, the neon tubes can be placed directly behind the mortared course lines or along a panel's perimeter. Translucence can be introduced when real lighting is used. A similar diffused effect can be achieved by placing translucent acrylic panels between the light source and the glass blocks.