Apple Patents Incredible Glass Architectural Design

Apple has found a new niche in the world of architecture

The company secured a patent Tuesday for the cylindrical glass entryway to its Shanghai store. The patent includes the design, method of construction and materials used.

Glass has always been a staple in the construction of Apple stores, but the Shanghai location takes that to a whole new level. Sitting atop the entryway, the glass cylinder — which the patent is intended to cover — twists down into the actual store. A spiral staircase wraps along the cylinder, leading patrons inside

The cylinder itself is built from curved glass slabs, which are designed to meld into a circle when placed side by side. Additionally, glass beams strengthen the interior and unique glass fins hold up the circular roof. Apple’s patent details the shape and placement of each of these pieces, as it breaks from conventional architecture techniques to accomplish the design. Read more...