The structurally glazed John Dobson Street façade of the city library features a giant piece of artwork, named ‘Four Questions’, which was created by local artist Kathryn Hodgkinson. This, through the use of laminated graphics, incorporates the words of local Newcastle residents, who responded to the four questions ‘what makes you happy’, ‘what do you fear’, ‘what would you change’ and ‘what gives you hope’. It was produced using over 1500 square metres of a new generation of temperable solar control glass from Saint Gobain which gives a high level of neutrality whilst reducing heat at the same time.
which were typically 1500 x 4050 mm in size, had to be bonded correctly within a unitized Schuco system and individually referenced, produced and packed in sequence so that they could be installed in order on site to create this stunning image.
Due to the complexity of this façade construction and with quality assurance and good workmanship always a priority, curtain wall contractor Dane Architectural Systems Ltd insisted on the selection of insulating and structural bonding fabricators which had a long
and proven performance record of project success. Solaglas of Coventry were selected for the fabrication of the insulating glass units and Structural Glazing Ltd carried out the structural bonding of these units onto the unitized curtain wall frame. Goff Monaghan,
Technical Director of Dane Architectural Systems Ltd explained ‘Both Solaglas and Structural Glazing Ltd have been audited and certified as Dow Quality Bond™ members. We recognise the considerable benefit and peace of mind that specifying members on construction projects can offer since this recent initiative from Dow ensures that improved quality assurance and quality management principles are closely followed’.
