HYGLASS: Design Proposal for an Integrated Multifunctional Hybrid Glass-Steel Structure

Contemporary cities demand smart communication infrastructures to facilitate the interaction of residents and visitors with the urban environment. Such systems are required to be network-connected, interactive, environmental-sensitive and energetically self-sustaining. Moreover, in outdoor applications they should mark an urban focal point and should be able to satisfy additional public requirements like illumination, transmission of information etc. In the framework of a research program on post-tensioned glass-steel structures, the HYbrid GLAss-Steel Stele (HYGLASS) has been conceived to work, beyond its structural function, as interactive signage, digital totem or wayfinding and, gradually scaling its size, as smart landmark tower. The tetrahelical bearing structure is made of laminated glass panels, which collaborate with a filigree steel truss and embed in their interlayers miniaturized Information and Communications Technology, photovoltaic and lighting devices.