History and Benefits of Glass Bricks

Glass brick, patented by Gustav Falcon in 1886, became popular in the US after its introduction at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Its defining moment was at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair with the Owens Illinois glass block building. Known for being low-cost, fire-resistant, and strong, glass bricks were popular during the 1930s art deco movement. Today, architects are re-incorporating glass bricks for their aesthetic and functional benefits, including privacy and durability.

Who was the inventor of the glass brick?

• Le Corbusier

• Frank Lloyd Wright

• Louis Sullivan

• Gustav Falcon

In which year were glass bricks introduced to the US?

• 1945

• 1933

• 1893

• 1886

What was a key feature of glass bricks highlighted at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair?

• They were colorful

• They were lightweight

• They were biodegradable

• They were fire resistant

During which architectural movement did glass bricks gain popularity?

• Gothic Revival

• Modernism

• Art Deco

• Postmodernism

Which cities were known for having the largest glass brick manufacturers?

• Miami and Houston

• New York and Los Angeles

• Chicago and Pittsburgh

• Boston and San Francisco

What is a modern benefit of using glass bricks in architecture?

• They are easy to paint

• They provide excellent insulation

• They offer privacy and security

• They are cheaper than wood