The term ‘façade’ is derived from the Italian word ‘Facciata” which refers to the exterior or different faces of a building. With the development of new technology in the field of art and architecture and innovative designs and forms, façade has become a contested space for discussion among architects, designers and academicians. The definition of surface in an urban context is subjective and has various meanings and representations. In today’s contemporary world, the façade is treated as a stage for performance and demonstration and has an active integration with its neighbourhood. [caption id="attachment_57367" align="alignnone" width="774"] In the project Floating Walls, the exterior surfaces are a blend of clean white walls juxtaposed against timber and glass[/caption] Façade is a fusion of numerous art forms and has unexplored potential as a territory for architectural invention. It acts as a palette for creating ingenious patterns that interact with people and their settings. Façade...

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...

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...

The global façade system market is expected to grow at a 3.99% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. It is expected to reach above USD 398.8 billion by 2029 from USD 280.4 billion in 2020. The Global Façade Systems Market Research Report published by Market Insight Reports discovers the current outlook in global and key regions from the viewpoint of Major Players, Countries, Product Types, and end industries. This report studies top players in the global market and divides the Market into several parameters. This report pinpoints the competitive landscape of industries to understand the competition at the International level. This report study describes the projected growth of the global market for approaching years from 2024 to 2030. This research report has been accumulated based on static and dynamic views of the businesses. The façade system market comprises a range of products, including cladding materials, curtain walls, windows, and doors. These...

If you are involved in the design and construction of building façades, you may be aware of the importance of sealing around windows and façade interfaces. These are the areas where the façade elements, such as windows, doors, panels, and cladding, meet and form gaps and joints. These gaps and joints are vulnerable to water ingress and air leakage, which can damage the building envelope and affect its thermal performance, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and fire safety. To seal these gaps and joints effectively, you need to use the right membranes that are compliant with the latest regulations and performance standards, and that are compatible with the substrate and the cladding. You also need to install them correctly and follow the best practices for corner sealing. However, finding and using the right membranes for window or façade sealing can be challenging, especially with the recent changes in regulations and...

Imagine a city where buildings weren’t just concrete giants, but canvases lit by a symphony of colours and movement. This is the magic of dynamic façade lighting, the transformative technology that’s redefining modern architecture. It’s no longer just about illuminating a building; it’s about breathing life into its very form, turning it into a dynamic sculpture that interacts with the night sky. Dynamic façades are more than just eye candy. They’re becoming a lucrative canvas for advertising and communication. Imagine the Burj Khalifa, not just piercing the Dubai skyline, but pulsating with a brand’s logo or the latest movie trailer. According to Arabian Business, a 3-minute video on this iconic giant can fetch a cool USD 70,000 on weekdays, skyrocketing to USD 100,000 on weekends. Talk about a return on investment! [caption id="attachment_57226" align="alignnone" width="774"] Al Ain University, AL Ain, UAE[/caption] Compared to traditional billboards stuck beside our highways, these...

The façade shall function structurally. The design loads imposed on façade infills and substructures shall transmit safely to the underlying primary structure, accommodating various differential movements. Understanding the structural behavior of the façade is essential for façade designers and engineers to ensure the sturdiness and resiliency of the entire building enclosures. [caption id="attachment_57143" align="alignright" width="400"] .[/caption] Ensuring the structural performance of a building façade is vital in design and construction. Façade designers must analyse loads like wind, snow, and seismic forces, selecting materials that balance aesthetics with structural strength. Attention to connection design accommodates movements such as thermal expansion while integrating expansion joints controls stress build-up. Testing and simulations refine façade behavior under various conditions, and code compliance ensures safety standards. Collaborative efforts between architects, structural engineers, and façade engineers seamlessly integrate aesthetic and structural considerations. Long-term maintenance and quality control during construction and effective documentation and communication contribute to...

The façade plays an important role in a building as it is the primary interface between the interior and exterior. The façade therefore becomes the crucial element that manages entry for light, heat, sound, dust and a view to the world outside. Additionally, it sets the tone and theme for the design as it is a visual statement for the entire building, like a cover wrapping the book. Especially in the case of public buildings where people enter into an unknown context, the façade can play a role architecturally to invite or ward away, to tower above or to stay grounded, to look rigid or feel playful and the like. From the point of view of sustainability, façade and roof design are of paramount importance in cutting down energy needs. The approach to façade design can be vernacular, that is, using locally available materials and construction technology. This generally tends...

As designers, architects or manufacturers & contractors, we are all connected to the building industry and we are increasingly aware of the massive implications of adding millions of square feet each year on planet Earth. To quantify this, it is estimated that about 40% of CO2 emissions are related, in some way, to the building construction industry. We also understand that there is a need to course correct and bring sustainable practices in a more rigorous way, even in built retail environments. Stores are slowly but surely demonstrating their commitment towards sustainability to their customers, and that they are relevant for today, and also for the future. There is a rising need to adopt circular sustainable design practices through recycling, repurposing, reducing and reusing. [caption id="attachment_57012" align="alignleft" width="399"] Super clear transmission with minimal glazing system of the façade lends the zen attitude in design and creates an inside outside connect[/caption]...

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...

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...

As smart building technologies become more prevalent, how do you see façades integrating with these systems to enhance overall building performance? Smart technologies today are not just prevalent but have become an integral part of our lives. With apps controlling the lights, air-conditioning, entertainment, coffee machines, and whatnot, building fenestrations are not untouched by smart technologies today. From integrated blinds within IGUs, digitally controlled and programmed electro-chromatic glass products, to dynamic shading devices that can change orientation, position, and location, to daring adventures where roofs and façades are designed to function dynamically to control light and visibility, façades have come a long way. All these features being connected to building automation and maintenance systems make it even more relevant today. Apart from thermal performance, intelligent smoke and ventilation systems involving façade automation, which are triggered in case of emergencies to help mitigate fire risks elevate the building performance above and...

As smart building technologies become more prevalent, how do you see façades integrating with these systems to enhance overall building performance? Integration of façades with smart building technologies has been happening for a while now. The most prevalent example is the integration of shading systems with BMS (Building Management Systems and BAS (Building Automation Systems). This includes internal shading such as blinds and louvers as well as external shading as a part of kinetic façades. Smart glass is also becoming quite popular. Smart glass is one whose VLT (visible light transmittance) changes depending upon external conditions. All of these have served to help façades improve user comfort and energy efficiency of the overall building. The next step in the process of façade integration with building automation that we can hopefully look forward to is the reduction in risks and costs associated with the same. Improvement in data collection and sensors...

Today’s high-rise buildings are shedding their static skins and embracing a new generation of intelligent systems that redefine comfort, performance, and environmental responsibility. This in-depth analysis delves into the world’s most widely installed cutting-edge façade solutions, exploring their general and specific design parameters, performance characteristics, and the materials shaping this exciting evolution. The future of high-rise buildings is being reshaped by intelligent façades, a new generation of cladding and glazing systems that go far beyond aesthetics. These dynamic systems integrate cutting-edge technologies to optimise comfort, performance, and environmental impact, setting a new standard for sustainable and responsive architecture. General Parameters and Specific Considerations for Façade Design Sustainability: Minimising environmental impact through energy efficiency, resource conservation, and responsible material selection. Comfort: Optimising thermal and acoustic insulation, daylighting, and indoor air quality for occupant well-being. Thermal: Maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures through passive and active solar control, natural ventilation, and efficient insulation. Visual:...

As cities continue to grow, the need to mitigate external noise and enhance indoor acoustic quality has become paramount. The criteria for acoustic comfort have evolved into a necessary consideration in habitable spaces. Several studies have investigated the connection between noise annoyance and both the physical attributes of sound and its impact on health and well-being. Noise nuisance has been shown to adversely affect hypertension, increase the chances of cardiovascular diseases, increase stress, and reduce cognitive efficiency in occupants [1]. An acoustically comprehensive strategy for occupant comfort in buildings often involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating design concepts, material selection, and the expertise of acoustic consultants to achieve optimal results. However, in pursuit of streamlined green and sustainable strategies, the acoustic well-being of the users of the space often goes unnoticed. For instance, a study on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) involving 23,450 respondents from 142 buildings concludes acoustic nuisance as the...

UNStudio has announced the completion of Huawei’s flagship store in Shanghai, a collaboration between the renowned architecture firm and Huawei’s internal design team. This innovative retail space promises an immersive experience, blending elements of nature, technology, and consumer preferences. Drawing inspiration from biophilic forms, the two-level store seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor environments, incorporating recycled materials to minimize its environmental impact. The façade, resembling petals in various stages of growth, pays homage to Huawei’s polar codes technology, forming an integrated geometric system that merges the brand with nature and technology. The transparency of the façade, achieved through oversized petal stems, maximizes natural light and views into the store during the day, while subtle lighting elements emit a soft glow at night. At the heart of the store lies the ‘Tree of Harmony,’ a spiraling centerpiece that not only facilitates circulation between floors but also offers augmented reality (AR) experiences for...