The Imperishable Spirit of Glass
On 10th December 2019, The Glass Supper once again brought together pioneers and industry leaders in architecture, glass and façade engineering to cross-check annual results, meet high net worth business partners and activate plans formulated to make the next year (2020), their best year.
Event Partners of the 9th Glass Supper were titans of the industry DOW, Permasteelisa and Saint-Gobain.
Hosted at London Guildhall, a venue steeped in history and notoriety, 2019 saw record numbers of delegates from an ever-increasing diversity of companies that recognize The Supper as “The Industry Event of the Year”, so aptly described by James O’Callaghan of EOC Engineers.
From world class presentations, to a champagne reception, SFE Façade awards and gala dinner to an afterparty (that we can’t talk too much about), the Glass Supper 2019 continued the events upward trajectory as the most important event in the glass industry’s calendar.
Below, IGS brings you an exclusive recap of the event with photography that captured what we can only describe as ‘The Imperishable Spirit of Glass’.
A Welcome fit for Celebrities of the Glass Industry
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by The Glass Supper registration team and were the first to get a peak at IGS Magazines Winter Special Issue released in their conference bags. Glass and architecture royalty were then snapped on the Glas trösch ‘green carpet’ and backdrop by photographer to the stars Angelo Valentino before proceeding to coffee and a chance to catch up and network with colleagues, friends and Glass Supper aficionados – old and new.
The Conference – Battersea Power Station Development Revisited
The conference was opened by Professor Martha Thorne who provided insight into architectural education; What do young architects take away with them when they graduate and embark on their own individual journey? Let’s hope they’ve been heated up with a heightened sense of knowledge about glass, heated to the point that a fire burns inside them for the unlimited possibilities this wonderful material holds.
The 2019 event then revisited Battersea Power Station Development with informed presentations by the architects who introduced guests to this “Jewel in the Crown” project back in 2014 when the Supper was held in Merchant Taylors Hall. The very same architects returned and provided an update on the progress made over the 5-year interim period (2014 – 2019).
The presentations were brought to a close by the electrifying presence of Richard van Hooijdonk. Richard is a one-off, a glorious anomaly who returned to tread the Glass Supper podium following insurmountable industry pressure.
The conference was expertly moderated by Miriam White, Managing Director of BSW Land and Property.
Full List of Presenters:
- Grant Brooker – Head of Studio at Foster + Partners
- Philip Marsh – Director of dRMM Architects
- Phil Sedge – Head of Facades at Mace
- Ian Simpson – Co-founder of SimpsonHaugh
- Martha Thorne – Dean of IE School of Architecture and Design + Executive Director of the Pritzker Architecture Prize
- Richard Van Hooijdonk – Trendwatcher, futurist and international keynote speaker
- Moderator – Miriam White, Managing Director of BSW Land and Property.
SIKA Champagne Reception
Dating back to Edward the Confessor (1042) and divided into two rooms, the East and West Crypts are equally atmospheric, yet completely different in style. In 2019 they shared something in common – Guests from the Glass Supper!
The SIKA sponsored champagne reception brought everyone together under one roof, with one purpose, to hold the right conversation with the right people in the right place, to talk with individuals responsible for shaping our world! These 2 hours gave guests the chance to network with the industry and most importantly set into motion future collaborations and plans for 2020 and beyond. With a glass of champagne (or 2) in hand, this time to mingle with those at the pinnacle of the glass industry is invaluable – only once a year are those who really matter placed into one venue and for one reason only – to talk to those who really matter.
FACT: The East Crypt survived the Great Fire and boasts a stunning vaulted ceiling decorated with carved bosses of heads, shields and flowers resting upon stone and marble pillars. The West Crypt, believed to date from the thirteenth century, was completely sealed off after collapsing under the weight of Great Hall’s fallen roof in 1666. It was reopened in 1973, following extensive restoration.
The Glass Supper Gala Dinner and SFE Awards
The Glass Supper would not be complete without the gala dinner – a delicious 3 course meal which was served in the historic and awe-inspiring Great Hall; the caliber of venue only surpassed by the notoriety of those who were attending the Supper. This was a chance for guests to relax with friends and colleagues, reflect on the successful year gone by and discuss plans to grow and surpass these in 2020.
And then came the SFE Awards…
The international competition, run by the Society of Façade Engineering, is designed to recognise, reward and promote excellence in the key disciplines of façade design, engineering and application.
Finalists gathered from around the Globe to learn if they had triumphed in this year’s competition, with a win widely regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades to be had within the discipline of façades. Winners were kept a close secret until the Glass Supper gathering of façades-focused architects and engineers. Presentations were made by the Head of the Judging Panel for the Society of Façade Engineering, Saverio Pasetto Msc FSFE and Director of Century Facades, Graham Hackley.
All winners and more information for the award can be viewed here.
Glass Supper Confidential – The Waagner Biro After Party
This section will be kept short and sweet because everyone knows “what happens at the afterparty, stays at the afterparty!” Needless to say, the glass industry put their dancing shoes on fun was had by all when the crypt was transformed by our sponsors Waagner Biro into The Glass Supper Confidential – aka the AFTER PARTY. The Industry’s calendar year was brought to an end into the early hours of the morning.
We would like to thank all the guests who attended the 2019 Glass Supper. 2020 is currently in the works. It is set to be the biggest and best yet, as it will be the 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of The Glass Supper. Stay tuned on the IGS website for updates.
We have over 1000 images – For a link to the full archive of downloadable images – please contact our marketing Director Lewis Wilson: lewis@igsmag.com