Great design starts with possibility, and glass block remains one of the most innovative architectural materials in modern construction. This free, one-hour online continuing education course is designed to help architects and design professionals expand their glass block design strategies. Topics include design benefits, shape and pattern options, installation best practices, and high-performance architectural applications, with a special focus on resilience, including hurricane-rated and fire-resistant building solutions. Take the Free Course Online and elevate your architectural design approach today.
Architectural glass block isn’t just a nostalgic design element—it’s a versatile, engineered solution that can support modern aesthetics and real-world performance needs. In this course, you’ll explore glass block technology from the ground up: distinctive qualities, design flexibility, product applications, and the installation techniques that help projects succeed—including specialty applications like curved walls.
You’ll also dig into performance-driven use cases, including high-performance glass block systems designed to help address environmental forces, with a focus on resilient design considerations and 2-hour fire-resistant wall systems as highlighted in the course content.
Glass Block Advantages + Design Possibilities
Key benefits, distinctive qualities, shapes, and design options
Where glass block adds value aesthetically and functionally
Design + Installation Fundamentals
Construction methods, best practices, and safety considerations
Patterns, sizes, shapes, and site-specific detailing (including curved walls)
Resilience + Performance Considerations
How glass block systems can support strategies related to hurricane, noise, and fire mitigation
Integrating safety features into design intent
Case Studies + Problem Solving
Real examples that highlight design flexibility and problem-solving capabilities
Practical takeaways you can apply to current project challenges
Course Outline
Credits Earned Upon Completion
1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour (Course ID: GBA04C)
1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
1 AAPEI Structured Learning Hour
1 AIBD CE Hour (Building Design)
1 BOMI CPD Hour
1 FBPE PDH (for FBPE members)
1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
1 OAQ Self-Directed Learning Hour
1 SAA Core Learning Hour
"We could not be happier with your product and services. We relied on you quite a bit to set the coordination of several items – ceiling heights, curb construction, detailing/engineering – and can’t imagine having another vendor without your expertise and patience. Jeff was especially great throughout the entire experience.
100% will recommend you all here for any other projects in our office.
" — Neal Harrod, Rockwell Group
"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler
"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company
"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C
"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting
"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors
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