Page 28
DG 1110-3-124
August 1976
a. A C T I V I T I E S
3-3 Glassblowing
The popularity of glassblowing has grown rapidly, and
there is an increasing demand for facilities and programs
for free blowing in Arts and Crafts Centers. Although it
is actually a part of Handcrafted Pottery and Ceramics,
glassblowing is treated separately since it is so specialized
and has its own specific physical and technological
requirements. The basic process starts with the production
of molten glass within a refractory container in a furnace.
Molten glass can be made either by melting glass or by fus-
ing together the raw materials that form glass. The molten
glass is then gathered on the tip of a hollow-iron blowpipe
and is inflated, spun, tooled, sheared and manipulated to
the desired shape. The glass on the end of the tube is
maintained in a molten state by a small furnace called a
"Glory Hole". The glass is finally tempered in an anneal-
ing oven.
b.
PARTICIPANTS
Only a small number, less than 10, can participate at any
one time in the space normally allocated in a 20,650
square foot center. At least one supervisor should be
present at all times.
c.
PHYSICAL
REQUIREMENTS
Glassblowing produces a great amount of heat, requires
a generous amount of space per participant, and therefore
is an incompatible activity to include in the general arts
and crafts area. More suitably it belongs in a covered out-
door space or in a well ventilated foundry-type room. If
indoors, furnaces should be near an exterior wall and have
mechanical exhaust systems. Concrete floors, masonry
walls and exposed ceiling construction are all appropriate.
Storage is required for materials and tools.
d.
RECOMMENDED
SPACE
ALLOCATIONS
For a center of 20,650 square feet, approximately 600
square feet should be allocated to glassblowing.
Work Area
400 square feet
Storage Area
100 square feet
Covered Exterior Work Area
100 square feet*
*Amount indicates half of actual exterior area provided since
covered exterior work area IS programmed as half of interior
buildlng space.
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