It's amazing to think that people are not afraid to step inside a concrete balcony (because they cannot see through?), though it is known that some concrete balconies fell (as they were not correctly constructed, and obviously not rigorously certified as being correctly constructed) but find their first step to be hard on a glass balcony (because they can see through?). If both materials (concrete and glass) are certified as safe in terms of their ability to carry the calculated load (and also having them certified as complying with all the other building requirements), then should not fear be replaced by wonder? Of course I am talking from the perspective of someone adoring glass, as I find a greater connection with the non built environment (the large sky above green spaces), the surrounding built environment (e.g. other buildings) and people, when a space is enclosed in glass (and we already know that certain types of glass are suitable for load bearing, or protection against fire.
Is there any difference in looking at Chicago from a concrete or glass balcony?
Yes, there is, and it is a choice about wanting to see less or more, and less concrete is more visibility a greater connection, enriched feelings. Less concrete is more visibility, therefore once again "Less is more", to use Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's words.
Antonia Del Debbio