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UG: Glass seems to be a dominant element in many of your designs. Why?
RB: Nothing comes close to the versatility of glass in its ability to affect a design. Floors, showers, countertops, walls, table tops,
sculpture — what other material can be applied in so many ways? The luster and texture of glass, particularly UltraGlas, are
what works so well in so many applications. It makes people want to touch the surface. I like that interaction.
UG: How do you think your background as an artist influences your choice of media?
RB: Being an artist helps me recognize the effectiveness of materials other people might overlook.
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I work with many different
media, from rusted, found-object steel to refined contemporary stainless, to designed glass. The choice allows me a freedom in
the application of materials. I try to apply the most texture or mixture to a design or installation as the conditions will allow.
Glass is one of the best media for this.
UG: In what way?
RB: UltraGlas offers a great mix of light transmission, texture, obscurity and durability you don't find in any other medium, yet
it’s very strong. It has structural integrity. Plus it can take on any design or pattern, which is really exciting to an artist. |
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UG: Are your clients always receptive to the idea of using glass in such unconventional ways?
RB: Sometimes. But often, when I present the initial concept, clients need a little help visualizing glass used in different ways,
other than just windows. Most people think of glass as being too fragile, but in reality, glass in 3/8", 1/2", or 3/4" is as strong or
stronger than a stone product of the same thickness. Once they understand that, and they find out that the cost is comparable
to a quality marble, they only need to see samples of the texture and color that UltraGlas can provide, to understand the versatility
of this medium.
UG: What advice would you give to architects and designers who are considering using glass in their designs for the first time?
RB: Glass is more than a window lite. The strength of annealed or tempered glass allows for so many different uses. Glass is a
green product, with recycled content. It is low maintenance, and with UltraGlas, even lower maintenance, due to the way its surface
texture hides scratches, fingerprints, etc. UltraGlas can be used as flooring with great depth of color and slip resistance and to divide or define
space that offers full light transmission and privacy at the same time. Design professionals should think of glass as a material for
any surface: floors, walls, counters, lighting, ceilings, windows and door lites — anywhere they want light, color, texture, strength
and durability.
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