In cooperation with Delft University of Technology, ABT and Poesia, MVRDV has developed a glass brick for use in a load-bearing facade. A transparent alternative for the ubiquitous red brick that can be fully cemented, resulting in a solid, transparent look. The bricks are 24.7 x 11.6 x 5.3 cm and are adhered together to form ‘masonry’. This new building brick was designed after extensive research by the parties involved. The Crystal houses in P.C. Hooftstraat in Amsterdam has the scoop; more applications for the material are being explored.

The solid glass brick is a revolutionary new material that enables completely new city scapes. Transparent buildings, almost unimaginable until recently, can completely change the horizon and city experience. The committee is looking forward to all following applications of this technically challenging, complex design that will have major impact on our environment.