Thesis Abstract and Dissertation Abstracts

Crystalline: A quest in the realms of structure, skin and space. The physical and meta-physical aspects of transparency, theories, interpretations and re-interpretations.

Thesis Abstract by Stephen Serracino Inglott from Malta Date Submitted: Oct 18, 2003, 14:53 Bachelor of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Honours), University of Malta, 2002

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Dissertation Keywords: transparency, glass, skin, Colin Rowe, space, Robert Slutzky, Paul Scheerbart, Bruno Taut, Jean Nouvel, Maison de Verre, literal, phenomenal, Vilhena Palace, Attard Parish Church, St.John's Co-cathedral, Valletta, Mdina, translucent

This Thesis Abstract | Dissertation Abstract may be cited as follows:
Stephen Serracino Inglott, Dissertation, University of Malta, Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Crystalline: A quest in the realms of structure, skin and space. The physical and meta-physical aspects of transparency, theories, interpretations and re-interpretations. (2002)

Thesis Abstract or Dissertation Abstract (Summary):
Throughout the first two chapters I will pursue a Hegelian History and Theory approach , where the objective is to find the ‘spirit of the age’ in the use of glass architecture. An analysis of the influence of the use of glass in buildings and the motives of its employment throughout Paris shows the fruition of a general outcry for the use of transparent materials.

Chapter Three is be a theorized study where influential buildings and theories will be analyzed with the use of interdisciplinary theories. An explanation of Colin Rowe’s and Robert Sluztky’s Transparency introduces the phenomenal concept which will be referred to through the rest of the dissertation. The writings of Scheerbart and the works of Taut pave the way to a universal style in which glass plays an vital role. Critiques of Chareau’s Maison de Verre in Paris are studied and used through an interpretation of its architecture, in view of the theories discussed earlier.

Towards the end of the chapter, Jean Nouvel’s is seen as an evolution of modernist thoughts. His fascination with transparent forms is justified and in itself justifies a wider use of glass.

Glass architecture in Malta is in practical terms non-existent. Throughout Chapter Four three baroque building examples from the local context are examined for a phenomenal transparency, a modernist theory inspired by the application of transparent glass and cubist lines of thought. The last chapter is a look ahead, into what we can expect from the glass industry and an appraisal of how this can be used to our advantage locally.

Plan showing overlapping of space inside the Attard Parish church

View of the interior of the Maison de Verre, Paris

The long nave is seen to be repetitively intersected by perpendicular axes from each chapel to the one facing it.

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