In the dynamic landscape of contemporary architecture, glass façades stand as iconic symbols of modernity, sophistication, and connectivity with the surrounding environment. However, amidst the growing discourse on sustainability in the built environment, the excessive use of glass in building façades has come under scrutiny for its environmental impacts. In this article, we aim to delve into the nuanced considerations surrounding the strategic reduction of glass in building façades, exploring its multifaceted environmental benefits and implications within the broader context of sustainable architectural design. Environmental Imperatives and Strategies Glass, renowned for its luminous qualities and architectural allure, has pervaded modern building design, particularly in façades. Yet, its ubiquitous presence poses significant environmental challenges, spanning energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource depletion. The environmental impact of glass usage encompasses multiple dimensions, from energy-intensive production processes to operational inefficiencies. Efforts to mitigate these impacts necessitate a multipronged approach, emphasising reduction strategies, and...

In the ever-evolving realm of architecture and design, the resounding call for sustainability reverberates louder than ever before. As we endeavour to fashion spaces that seamlessly blend with the environment, the emphasis on sustainable designs for Façades and fenestration takes centre stage. This extensive exploration delves into the intricate relationship between sustainable design, ventilation, and the pivotal roles that Façades and fenestration play in achieving both aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility. Design, at its core, is a delicate dance between form and function. Façades and fenestration, as the external elements of a structure, serve as the face of a building. Beyond their visual impact, they wield a critical influence on a building’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality. In the current architectural landscape, sustainable design has transitioned from a niche concept to an imperative. With the world grappling with climate change and escalating environmental concerns, architects and designers bear the...

In an interview with SWATI PUCHALAPALLI Founding Partner & Director, Terra Viridis, she explains her approach to design, principles of sustainability, carbon neutrality, and conservation of energy. She also spoke about services offered by Terra Viridis, some of her milestone Net Zero projects, and much more. Here is the excerpt from the interview. Tell us about your educational background and career experiences. How did you enter this profession? I studied architecture and moved into sustainability immediately after. I did my masters in sustainable design from Edinburgh, UK. On the completion of my M.Sc., I worked in London for about six years in a consultancy firm called BDSP Partnership, which specialised in the sustainable design of buildings. I moved to India to work on a project that was very close to my heart, and which I felt very passionate about. [caption id="attachment_54254" align="alignright" width="774"] National Maritime Heritage Centre, Aerial view (Architect...

Facade lighting is a key aspect of architectural design and can bring any building or structure to life. Light influences the perception of its facade and surroundings.  Layers of light define the focus and can turn spaces into experiences. When the sun sets, as amazing as the architectural design may be it fades into the darkness. The exterior facade lighting showcases their unique design plans during dark hours, communicates emotions, and creates attention. Facade lighting highlights the key features of the building and adds an artistic feel to the exteriors. Architectural design, quality, and styling meet design, aesthetics, and economics, to deliver high visual impact. The function of the building [caption id="attachment_46737" align="alignnone" width="774"] Port’s 1961 flagship store[/caption] It’s always smart to consider the overall function of the building. For instance, Hospitality buildings should exude brightness and relaxation. The hotel is the social hub encouraging the growth of the surrounding...

Tell us about the advancement in facade design technologies and materials in the past 5 years. There has been an exponential growth in facade technologies and material in the last few years, that focus on energy-efficient materials and fabrication systems, as buildings have become one of the primary consumers of energy. Furthermore, the building envelope, consisting of a facade and roof, can contribute largely to energy conservation to maintain a balance between thermal and visual comfort. Advancements in the material technology and in the construction methodology, along with innovations in fabrication systems have aided in achieving the facade design aesthetic with maximum efficiencies, imparting identity to the building without compromising the energy efficiency parameters. [caption id="attachment_36354" align="alignleft" width="300"] Fig 2: Parametric studies done for form-finding for IT project in Nagpur for Infosys[/caption] What are the advancements in energy harvesting facade technologies? Energy harvesting is yet to be completely successful for...

A home like any other living system, requires regular maintenance, renovation and care. If done with care and intricacy, it can help change the entire outlook of the existing spaces. Architectural Design can give those small tweaks to a home renovation. Exterior Architectural Designs - While most of us think of primarily renovating our interior spaces, the outside is as important as the inside. The overall street outlook of your home is the most appealing factor that can move all the eyeballs. Enhance The Entrance – An entrance is a very playful element of any building that can be experimented with. Your home renovation can be initiated by re-looking at your entrance. Interesting cobblestone pathway, new lighting fixtures, a coat of paint and enhancing the entrance pathway with hedges and bushes can do for starters. Once in the process, you can go further ahead and add interesting surprise elements like...

The Importance of Façade Acoustics in Building Design In the vast and intricate world of architecture, one aspect that often does not get the attention it deserves is the acoustic performance of a façade. This element, though seemingly insignificant, plays a pivotal role in shaping the sound environment within a building. The internal acoustic conditions, largely determined by the façade, can have a profound impact on the comfort levels of the occupants, influencing their productivity and overall experience within the space. Designing for Acoustic Comfort One of the primary factors in acoustic design is the penetration of external noise into a building, also known as noise ingress. This becomes especially critical in bustling urban environments, where the levels of road noise are typically high. To address this issue, architects and designers can refer to the British Standard BS 8233. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into acceptable noise levels in...

India’s rapid economic growth and emergence as a top-tier world economy over the past 30 years have been well documented. This economic growth has necessitated the need for a whole range of construction projects. From a national and regional government perspective, it means new and upgraded transport infrastructure including airports, railways and urban transit systems to support future economic growth. Expansion of healthcare and education provision to improve the health and life chances of its citizens is also seen as a high priority. The positive impact on disposable incomes has fueled demand for high-quality, privately funded projects from well-built, safe residential accommodation, leisure and retail facilities and the expansion of the hospitality sector to meet the needs of both international and local business and tourism. Within this context, the procurement of architectural ironmongery has always had a low profile, but few items impact more the ongoing functioning, safety, efficiency and...

As our fenestration industry is becoming organised with the growing awareness of system windows and doors in India, system companies and fabricators are increasingly on the look-out for innovative and out-of-the-box window and door systems that are well-engineered for performance and at the same time appeal to the end-users in terms of modern design aesthetics and ease of use. Conventional sliding and openable window/door systems that are available in the market are still in demand for projects and price-sensitive markets because either the volumes are high or the lack of appetite for paying more. Here, the focus is more on the pricing. There is very little scope here for promoting innovative solutions because innovation comes at a price. Current Trend in Architectural Hardware Systems [caption id="attachment_40270" align="alignleft" width="300"] Friction stays[/caption] The last few years have seen an exponential increase in demand in the retail segment for architectural systems that are...

A Radiant Facade Like No Other Nestled in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, the Yas Hotel stands as a radiant beacon of architectural ingenuity. Designed by the renowned firm Asymptote Architects, this extraordinary structure captivates onlookers with its one-of-a-kind curvilinear facade. Spanning an impressive 217 meters, the facade is a breathtaking masterpiece of steel and glass. Upon closer inspection, the facade's true brilliance is revealed. It is adorned with approximately 5,000 intricately cut glass panels, each meticulously shaped like a diamond. This intricate pattern is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is a testament to the power of computational design. The precise curvature of the facade enhances the reflectiveness of the structure, creating a dazzling display of light and shadow that seems to dance across its surface. Illuminating the Arabian Nights As the sun sets over Abu Dhabi, the Yas Hotel transforms into a shimmering spectacle. Integrated into the...

Understanding BIM At its core, BIM is a collaborative process that enables architects and stakeholders to create and manage digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of places. Unlike traditional 2D drawings, BIM models are rich in information, containing not only geometric data but also material properties, spatial relationships, and more. This comprehensive approach allows for a more holistic understanding of a building throughout its lifecycle. Over the years, the adoption of BIM in architecture and façade design has undergone a remarkable evolution. Initially perceived as a novel concept, BIM has now become a standard practice, revolutionising workflows and methodologies within the industry. From conceptualisation to construction, BIM’s seamless integration has enhanced collaboration, efficiency, and accuracy in project execution. Significant Advantages of BIM In my experience, the most significant advantages of utilising BIM in architectural and façade projects are manifold. Firstly, BIM facilitates comprehensive visualisation, enabling stakeholders to explore...

In our rapidly urbanising world, the optimisation of high-rise buildings through advanced Façades and fenestration designs is not just a design choice but a necessity. As urban spaces expand, these architectural elements play a pivotal role in shaping our surroundings. Beyond mere aesthetics, they are the silent contributors to sustainability, Sonali Bhagwati and Sohrab Dalal, Founders of Delhi- NCR’s esteemed architectural practice, Design Plus Architecture (DPA) reinstate their passion for designing spaces of aestheticism driven by environmental energy efficiency, and the overall well- being of occupants. In this article, they stress on sensitivity and harmonising with the demands of our contemporary world. “In the world of burgeoning high-rises, maximising energy efficiency is more crucial than ever”, says Sonali, and the most compelling opportunity for achieving this lies in the very skin of these towering structures - their façade and fenestration! For those unfamiliar with the terms, the façade is the...

Antistatics, the creative architectural firm, bents aluminum sheets into weaved façade for VICUTU Concept Flagship Store in Beijing. The architecture embodies the essence of the fashion brand through architectural exploration, and reinvention. The store spans two floors with a total area of 1680 sq m. Drawing from the ‘V’ shape of the VICUTU brand, the design integrates a flexible weaving system reminiscent of fabric craftsmanship. The architectural façade mirrors the weaving process, symbolizing the transformation of fabric into garments. Aluminium sheets are meticulously bent and flexed into complex geometries, mimicking the intricacy of tailored clothing. This innovative approach reflects the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and fabric properties. The weaving system extends from the building’s base to its summit, intertwining with the glass curtain wall louvers. This symbolic representation signifies the brand’s growth and continuous evolution. Textured artistic cement walls create a sculptural environment, complemented by continuous curvilinear spaces inspired by...

Pradhan Mantri Sanghralaya, Teen Murti, Delhi Located amidst the historic surroundings of Teen Murti in Delhi, the Pradhan Mantri Sanghralaya stands as a symbol of architectural brilliance and cultural significance. As the façade project manager, spearheading this iconic project marked a significant milestone in my career journey. DESIGN CONCEPT The design concept of the Pradhan Mantri Sanghralaya encapsulated a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, paying homage to India’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary architectural principles. The façade served as the canvas upon which this vision unfolded, reflecting the ethos of the nation’s capital. FAÇADE AND FENESTRATION DESIGN [caption id="attachment_57202" align="alignright" width="406"] The design concept of the Pradhan Mantri Sanghralaya[/caption] The cornerstone of the façade design lay in the meticulous installation of zinc cladding and roofing elements, symbolising strength, durability, and aesthetic finesse. The expansive area of flat lock panels spanning 22,000 Sq ft exuded elegance and uniformity, seamlessly integrating...

GA Infra Office, Keshav Nagar, Jaipur The project GA Infra Office involves designing an office space spread across three floors, along with a penthouse that will serve as a party area. The entire complex is accompanied by a basement parking floor to cater to parking needs. VARIOUS ELEMENTS The architectural design will encompass multiple elements to create a functional and aesthetic space. These elements might include the layout of workstations, meeting rooms, lounge areas, circulation paths, and special features like the penthouse/party area. COLOR SCHEME [caption id="attachment_57120" align="alignright" width="250"] .[/caption] The chosen colour scheme for the project is a combination of blue and grey. These colors symbolies water, which is relevant to the office’s focus on water-related work. The colour palette aims to evoke a sense of calmness, professionalism, and the connection to the theme of water. FURNITURE The interior design of the office space will feature modern furniture. This...

In the ever-evolving world of architecture and construction, the façade has emerged as an architectural canvas for innovation and imagination. In particular, futuristic façades are redefining the boundaries of design and functionality, playing a pivotal role in shaping the fenestration landscape of residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. With rapid changes in technology and access to international brands, fenestration trends include the use of large-span glass (individual glass panels of 2.5m wide X 9.0m height) with slim line sections, thinning the gap between interiors and exteriors. Also, the use of performance glass and DGU sections helps manage thermal conditions within a space without compromising on the quality of light. New-age materials include super strong aluminium, factory-made wooden windows, bronze window sections, etc. Nanotechnology infused with glass helps in managing solar gain effectively. Sealants are also available to ensure complete protection from climatic vagaries. Windows and fenestrations are probably among the most...