PITTSBURGH, March 10, 2026 – Once a dark, windowless space for patrons, the University of Pittsburgh’s Hillman Library has been transformed into a bright, inviting place of collaboration, learning and discovery.

Gone are the perimeter’s original study carrels and private offices preventing light from reaching the interior. In its place, three-story, staggered curtain wall blocks feature Solarban^® 72 Starphire^® glass by Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass) to bring lots of light into the spacious lobby.

GBBN’s Pittsburgh architect firm selected Solarban^® 72 Starphire^® glass for its 68% visible light transmittance (VLT) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.28. The triple-silver-coated, solar control low-e glass delivers energy efficiency, creates a brighter, more inviting environment and enhances occupant comfort for students, faculty and visitors.

The new design provides equitable access to daylight and views throughout the building and eliminates the old “book bunker” feel of mid-century libraries. A monumental staircase helps circulate visitors through the building and provides a nice aesthetic.

“Abundant glass in the new entry volume brings in lots of light and makes the space feel inviting day or night,” confirmed GBBN Principal, Matthew Plecity, AIA, ASLA. “Using glass, wood and stone makes an inviting and distinct sense of place for people.”

With a minimal need for book stacks, the space has been reallocated for digital exploration, interdisciplinary research, technology and study and meeting spaces.

The daylit re-design features audio/video production suites, a café, writing center, bookbinding lab, outdoor terraces and an open lab makerspace with virtual visualization, 3D printing and laser cutting.

Targeting LEED^® Platinum certification, in addition to the daylighting, sustainable features include a 250 kW rooftop solar array, rainwater capture, native plant landscaping, low VOC materials, LED lighting and a green roof.

Project Credits:

• Architect: GBBN
• Fabricator: Press Glass Inc.
• Glazing Contractor: HB Reynolds Inc.
• General Contractor: Rycon Construction
• Photography: Jim Cunningham

Solarban^® and Starphire^® are registered trademarks of Vitro.

Cradle to Cradle Certified^® is a registered trademark of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

LEED^® — an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design™ — is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council^®.

About Vitro Architectural Glass

Vitro Architectural Glass is the largest glass producer in the Western Hemisphere, manufacturing a range of industry-leading products serving the construction, solar, transportation, defense and security markets worldwide. Committed to continually raising the industry standard for sustainability, Vitro was the first U.S. glass manufacturer to have its complete collection of architectural glass products earn Cradle to Cradle Certified^® status and the first North American manufacturer to publish third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for flat glass and processed glass products. Additionally, as of April 2024, all Vitro architectural glass products meet the Top 20% Low Embodied Carbon (LEC) material Global Warming Potential (GWP) threshold the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) established pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and related guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Vitro operates seven glass production facilities across North America, four residential glass fabrication plants in Canada and one of the world’s largest glass research and development facilities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit VitroGlazings.com.

Media Contact:
Robert J. Struble
Vitro Architectural Glass
412-820-8138
rstruble@vitro.com
vitroglazings.com