NGA Developing Glass Engineering Curriculum

NGA has announced the development of its first university-level program of study, NGA Glass Engineering Curriculum. Introduced yesterday at the NGA Glass Conference in Ann Arbor, MI, the curriculum will teach glass engineering design and analysis to engineering and architecture students. Course content is also relevant for established engineers and architects.

“Current graduates take courses in architectural design and construction with steel, concrete and wood, but not with glass,” says Urmilla Sowell, vice president of advocacy and technical services for the NGA. “The purpose of this new curriculum is to bridge the gap between academia and industry professionals. By bringing glass engineering knowledge directly to higher education, we are meeting NGA’s goal to elevate glass among engineers and architects by educating and promoting glass use in the built environment.”

The NGA Glass Engineering Curriculum lessons include history of glass, glass as a material, practical applications, special applications, safety and security glazing, fracture mechanics, loads, and sustainability and recycling. Bill Lingnell of Lingnell Consulting Services contributed to the curriculum content based on his experience in architectural glass manufacturing, fabrication, design and forensic work, along with NGA’s advocacy and technical staff.

The glass engineering curriculum is currently under development and its lessons are being reviewed by subject matter experts. NGA will then use the feedback to refine the courses and continue the University review process.

The industry can help support the continued development of the NGA Glass Engineering Curriculum with a tax-deductible donation to the NGA Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All NGA Foundation donations received between Sept. 29-Oct. 13 will be allocated to support the NGA Glass Engineering Curriculum.