# Glass Box Libraries The Bloor/Gladstone Library is an Incredible Use of Glass By Christopher DeLuca | Published 2011-05-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloor-gladstone-library References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/133796/the-bloorgladstone-library-rdh-architects/) & [rdharch](http://www.rdharch.com/) The Bloor-Gladstone Library located in [downtown Toronto](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-lawrence-market-north) and created by RDH Architects has an [all glass exterior](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diller-scofidio-renfro2) to evoke a contemporary and clean aesthetic. The mandate that RDH Architects received for the Bloor-Gladstone Library project was to use an existing structure in their design, but also to create a something completely new as an addition. The clean and refined look of the all glass building that the architects designed from scratch stands in contrast to the [red brick existing structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-brick-house) that they renovated; the contrast highlights the institutions link to the past and its vision of the future. The Bloor-Gladstone library is a beautiful piece of contemporary architecture that strikes utilizes a clean minimal design and juxtaposes it against the brick building of the past. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Glass Box Architecture:** The use of all glass exteriors in building design presents opportunities for creating contemporary and visually striking structures. - **Clean Minimalism:** The design approach of clean, simple lines and minimal ornamentation provides opportunities for creating sleek and modern aesthetics. - **Historical Juxtaposition:** Combining old and new architectural elements can create unique and visually captivating buildings that honor the past while embracing the future. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** The architectural industry can explore and implement innovative designs using glass box exteriors and clean minimalism for various types of buildings. - **Construction:** The construction industry can adapt to the demand for glass box architecture by developing techniques and materials that ensure structural integrity while maximizing transparency. - **Urban Planning:** Urban planners can consider the use of historical juxtaposition in building designs to create vibrant cityscapes that honor the heritage while embracing modernity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Glass-Lined Towering Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beijing-city-library.md) - [Juxtaposing Angular Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brixen-public-library.md) - [Script-Covered Library Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/far-rockaway-library.md) - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md) - [Dynamic Geometric Library Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yellamundie.md) - [Wood-Lined London Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lea-bridge-library.md) - [Temporary Translucent Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-liberia.md) - [Cultural Green Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green.md) - [Atrium Stacked Toronto Courthouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/renzo-piano.md)