Chalmers Foundation Supports Energetic Exploration in Glass

Noted glass artist Sarah Hall was recently awarded an Arts Fellowship from the Chalmers Foundation to support her innovative work in photovoltaic art glass. This technique, which uses solar cells in the glass to generate electricity, adds an exciting new dimension to the relationship between a building and its windows.  
 
Since establishing the studio in 1980, Sarah Hall has built an international reputation for her technical and artistic exploration. Her work has garnered Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects, the Alllied Arts Award from the Ontario Association of Architects, and election to the Royal Canadian Academy of Art.  
 
“Over the past few years I have created many projects in glass fabrication studios in Germany. While in Europe I saw many beautifully designed photovoltaic systems within glass facades. These installations, with their thousands of shimmering solar cells in a variety of forms and colors, have a transforming impact on the building’s appearance. At night, the illuminated building becomes a spectacular event without unveiling its interior life; while in daylight its sparkling surfaces attract everyone’s attention.”  
 
Photovoltaics are crystalline cells that actively collect solar energy. Integrated into the exterior glass, these cells produce energy that can either be stored in batteries for designated usage or re-directed to the energy grid.  
 
As she integrates these systems into her art glass windows, Hall will explore the connections between light, colour, imagery and energy and her own deep concerns for our natural world and our future. Her proposal for the Chalmers Foundation was for six new major works that integrate original, expressive designs with working photovoltaic systems over the next year. One of her current projects involves contributing to the Solar Decathlon, a competition for energy-efficient housing design, in Washington, DC this September.  
 
For Sarah Hall, these projects are an opportunity to set the stage for the new century in stained glass: “By forging an image with a source of energy we create a powerful story about how we can live in this world: it gives us a chance to dream about who we can be."  
 
Images:  
1) “Blue Vine”; H 28in, W 18in; art glass panel created in 2 layers; interior - screen printed and air-brushed with fired glass enamels; exterior - photovoltaic cells integrated into the glass  
 
2)”Homage to Da Vinci”; H 28 in, W 18in; art glass panel created in 2 layers; interior - screen printed with traditional glass paints and air-brushed with fired glass enamels; exterior - photovoltaic cells integrated into the glass  
 
3) Architect Dr. Ingo Hagemann (left) artist Sarah Hall, RCA (center) with Christof Erban (left) manager at Saint-Gobain Glass Solar in Aachen, Germany.