The 8 Most Impressive Glass Structures on the Planet

Over recent years technological improvements in the rigidity of glass and the fixings used with it have enabled the versatile material to be used in increasingly more elaborate and artistic ways. From cleverly engineered glass verandas in homes to award winning sky scrappers, glass is now more common than ever before. Below are 8 examples of structures from around the world that have wowed many.

Tianmen Mountain , China - Glass walkway 

On one side a sheer rock face, on the other a 4,000ft drop - and all to separate the brave traveller from a deadly plunge is a 3ft-wide, 2.5in thick walkway.

And if that is not enough to bring terror into the pit of your stomach, the path running alongside a Chinese mountainside is made out of glass, allowing a crystal-clear view of where one false step can take you.

The skywalk is situated 4,700ft above sea level on the side of the Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China.

Paris, France - The Louvre Pyramid

Initially questioned by many, the famous 70 foot high glass pyramid forming the entrance to the Louvre is now a world recognised Parisian landmark. Thought by some to clash with the historic palace building it is now generally accepted that the glass structure is a successful example of how modern designs can be successfully integrated with classical architecture.  

The Gherkin - 30 St Marys Axe, London, UK

Now one of the most recognised buildings in the centre of London. At 180 metres tall, it is the second tallest building in the City of London and the sixth tallest in London. With its striking architecture, designed by the world-renowned Lord Foster, it is one of the most prestigious and iconic venues.

Apple Store, New York City, USA

Cutting edge design with glass doesn't come much more funky than what Apple managed to do with one of their cutting edge stores in Manhattan. Apple's flagship store that boasts its iconic entrance known as The Cube and is made up of huge 32-foot glass panels.

Skywalk, The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

In 2012 the Grand Canyon glass walkway known as Skywalk is a transparent horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge. It was unveiled in 2007 to a very wobbly kneed reception! Forming a horse shoe sape over the lip of the great canyon.

The deck of the Skywalk has been made with four layers of Saint-Gobain Diamant low iron glass with DuPont SentryGlas interlayer. Deck width is 10 feet 2 inches (3.10 m). The Skywalk glass railings were made with the same glass as the deck, but fewer layers (two) bent to follow the walkway’s curvature. The glass railings are 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m) tall and have been designed for high wind pressures.

The Shard, London, UK

Completed in 2012 the Shard now dominates the city skyline. Standing at over 300 metres, The Shard is currently the tallest building in Europe. The building features 11,000 panes of glass, with a total surface area of 56,000 square metres!!

Dancing House, Prague, Czech Republic  

Artistically brilliant design was employed to make this vision a reality. A real show stopper and camera shutter star, the Dancing House. Completed in 1996 the very modern design was controversial at the time because the house stands out among the Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings for which Prague is famous. The glass tower is supported by curved pillars.

National Centre for Performing Arts, Beijing  

Surrounded by an artificial lake which reflects the elliptical glass and titanium structure, China’s National Centre for Performing Arts was inaugurated in 2007. This clever optical illusion makes the building look oval from a distance, earning it the nickname ‘The Bird’s Egg.’ Just to prove our point about the beauty of this material, it was reported that glass was selected because the designers felt it blended in with the ancient surroundings of the city.