A contemporary glass center is to be established at the former Kingston Powerhouse in the Australian capital, Canberra. The Canberra Glassworks, to open in December 2006, will provide a world-class ce…
A contemporary glass center is to be established at the former Kingston Powerhouse in the Australian capital, Canberra. The Canberra Glassworks, to open in December 2006, will provide a world-class center for glass art making. The design for the glassworks by Sydney“s Tanner Architects is complete and construction tenders are now open. Jocelyn Jackson from Tanner Architects said her team wanted to keep the large industrial spaces of the Powerhouse and was working closely with glass artists from Arts ACT and the Australian National University. Glass making and hot glass blowing will take place in the old boiler room and visitors will be able to watch demonstrations and glass makers at work from a raised walkway and seating area. The Powerhouse“s engine room will be transformed into a cold working area. Visitors will be able to participate in glass making demonstrations and take a guided tour of the facility. Exhibitions of glass art from Canberra, national and international artists will also be on show at the center and pieces of work will be available to purchase in a retail outlet. Ms Jackson said the design of the Canberra Glassworks demonstrated environmentally sustainable design principles, with collection and recycling of storm water and recuperation of heat from the furnaces.