New glass block creates a Zen atmosphere

Design enthusiasts eager to express themselves in unique ways may be interested to learn about a new glass block which is capable of projecting shapes and also softening direct sunlight.

The "Zen" block is in use at the Buddha Lecture Room – a religious library in Taiwan – and casts an image of the Buddha sitting in a meditative position in a field of lotus flowers when beams of sunlight shine onto it.

Online resource Glass On Web explains that the design is imprinted into the glass blocks surface after it is baked in the kiln, noting that the block is dipped into a frosting to produce multiple contrasts between the opaque surface which has been treated and the transparent surface.

In related news, the site explains that a glass brick which incorporates light-emitting diodes was one of a number of entries to pick up a prize at the Red Dot Design Awards 2008.