The construction of efficiency: Glazing insulation in France and Belgium since 1945

The growth of Western urban landscapes in the aftermath of World War II brought new standards of comfort and convenience; one of the emblematic products of this modernization was glazing. Openings became larger, enhancing transparency and bringing abundant light; however, they also led to considerable heat loss. It became imperative that glazing play a part in insulating buildings. This article traces the history of glazing insulation across the second half of the 20th century. Focusing on case studies of residences in France and Belgium and industry archival material, this article analyses th... Mehr ...