Event Location: Zak World of Façades held on the 30th of June at the Taj Palace in New Delhi The 6th Zak World Of Façades completed successfully in Delhi with a turnout of 427 delegates. The key highlight was the resolution on the selection criteria for equivalent materials and consultants for a façade The building façade plays a vital role in bringing the architect's vision to life. It makes a major contribution to the sustainability of a building, influencing both energy efficiency and the quality of the internal climate. It is also an integral part of the building’s aesthetic, complementing the structural form and defining its visual impact on the urban environment. In India, we still miss the fundamentals of the façade, which is a complex subject for most of us. The 6th edition of Zak World of Façades held on the 30th of June at the Taj Palace in...

Event Location: Zak World of Façades held on the 14th of June at Taj Coromandel in Chennai The 5th Zak World Of Facades completed successfully in Chennai with a turnout of 320 delegates. The key highlight was the launch of the Indian Façade & Fenestration Association (IFFA) and Qualindal. The building façade plays a vital role in bringing the architect's vision to life. It makes a major contribution to the sustainability of a building, influencing both energy efficiency and the quality of the internal climate. It is also an integral part of the building’s aesthetic, complementing the structural form and defining its visual impact on the urban environment. In India, we still miss the fundamentals of the façade, which is a complex subject for most of us. The 5th edition of Zak World of Façades held on the 14th of June at Taj Coromandel in Chennai focused on the performance...

Event Location: Zak World of Façades Mumbai, 11th April 2014 Façades, rising high for high-rises – Zak World of Façades Mumbai, 11th April 2014: Taking a cue from the current trend of tall buildings and building on the glory of enormous success of the previous editions, Zak World of Façades in its second season two, returned to Mumbai on the 11th of April at ITC Maratha with a never before confluence of première façade consultants, high profile architects and real estate honchos from India and abroad. More than 421 delegates, all key representations from the top architectural firms, developer community, façade consultants, contractors and other façade enthusiasts discussed and pondered over the theme of façade design criteria for tall structures with a special focus on façades for residential and hospitality. Performance criteria such as thermal efficiency, fireproofing, acoustics, photovoltaics, façade testing and more were also discussed. The conference started with...

Event Location : The Indian Façade & Fenestration Association (IFFA) Mumbai, 13 December 2013 Will inform about the right practices in façade & fenestration Will advice on correct contract conditions, specification, risk & insurance Highlighting important techniques for design, fabrication & installation Mumbai, 13 December 2013: The Indian Façade & Fenestration Association (IFFA)launched the draft contents of the façade & fenestration guidelines for India at the 10th Zak Doors & Window Expo on 13th December 2013. The guidelines once ready will be the first of its kind in India, which will help the whole industry in adopting and executing the best practices in façade & fenestration.The guideline will contain the A-Z of façade & fenestration ranging from curtain wall to doors to windows to skylights & all related products. This guideline will not only apprise about design & fabrication, but will emphasize on the correct contract conditions, specifications, risk& insurance, testing,...

Event Location: Zak World of Façades returned to Bengaluru on 21st February 2014 at ITC Gardenia [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="340"] Diwakar Chintala, Design Director, Gensler[/caption] After six highly encouraging and successful editions around India, the 7th edition of Zak World of Façades returned to Bengaluru on 21st February 2014 at ITC Gardenia, with a zest for continued innovation in the façade technology. The conference became an exhilarating affair with new speakers, topics and products that relayed the burning torch of bringing about the façade revolution, initiated 18 months ago in the same city of Bangalore. About 315 representatives from architects, builders, façade consultants, contractors and others from the façade & fenestration fraternity were present throughout the four sessions. Each session revolved around different themes. The morning session commenced with an informative and picturesque presentation on “facades – more than skin deep” by Diwakar Chintala who’s the Design Director at Gensler....

In a conversation with Window & Façade Magazine, Ashraf talked about the journey of AMACO, their products & and projects, major challenges façade in the industry, and so on. Here are the excerpts Could you please share the journey of AMACO since its inception? Being in the aluminium market for more than 40 years allowed us to build a growth mindset, and improve coping and adaption policies to the fast and rapid changes happening in the market especially nowadays. Our credibility comes from our reputation which is derived from the expertise of Prof. Ahmed Abdelmotteleb (AMACO Chairman) and Eng. Sherif Abdelmotteleb (AMACO CEO) are two of the leading names in the Aluminium field in Egypt and their names associate AMACO with Quality, Trustworthiness, and Goodwill. Because we believe history is important in building the future, we pursue every chance of development, whether internal or external. Due to our development and...

At rat[LAB], façade design is envisioned as a vital part of a project and approached through analytical study of multiple parameters like privacy, materials and environmental factors like sunlight, from which the outcome emerges. Parametric façades further utilise responsive design to adapt to site conditions by exploring complex geometries, digital fabrication and other cutting-edge technologies. [caption id="attachment_57519" align="alignnone" width="774"] Figure 2: Head field office | design iterations[/caption] Some of the studio’s recent projects showcase how architecture can be influenced by technology, sustainability and creative design thinking in this regard. While the integration of advanced technology and captivating aesthetics set these projects apart, it is important to understand and perceive the design processes behind different design problems that generated explicit solutions. This article on façade profiles is yet another illustration of how creative design is the result of implicit research and intelligent integration. [caption id="attachment_57520" align="alignleft" width="251"] Figure 3: Head field...

Building envelope is one of the most important systems in a building that helps with energy efficiency, safety, and indoor environmental quality. In addition to the insulation, roofing, and weatherproofing, the fenestrations in the building envelope are key elements to enhance its functionality, aesthetics, and occupant wellbeing. Thoughtfully designed and placed windows, doors, and openings can boost natural daylighting, ventilation and protection from the external elements. Some of the sustainable design principles we follow today are realised from centuries-old design practices which respond to a building’s geographical location and the local weather conditions. These designs reflect indigenous materials and practices which shield them from severe weather conditions like winter winds and blizzards, heavy tropical rains and summer heat. Some examples are the sloppy roofs and stone walls of Kashmir which protect the inmates from temperate weather conditions, and open verandas and Nalukettu of Kerala, suitable for humid and rainy geography....

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...

In the past when the land was abundant and urbanisation was far less than what we have today, we built more horizontally, and not very tall. There were also restrictions to building tall when it came to construction and building technology available at that time. With advancements today in construction and building technology, we learnt the science of building tall owing also to rapid urbanisation and lack of space in cities. However, such buildings were predominantly concrete structures with a higher wall-to-window ratio. With advancements in glass & aluminium technology, we then began to see buildings getting enveloped by this new form, which also brought about a greener and quicker way to build tall, with vastly brilliant views compared to conventional concrete and window buildings. With that said, these types of buildings pose a higher risk when it comes to fire & life safety due to their sheer height, higher...

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...

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...

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...

Could you please tell us about your company and how did you enter the field of Architecture? I’m an architect and I did my bachelor’s program at the School of Architecture (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, CEPT) in Ahmedabad. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to study under the masters like Ar. Anant Raje and Ar. B. V. Doshi. This was in the late seventies and the early eighties. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 1984, I worked in Mumbai for a couple of years with a firm called Architects Combine. It was a very prominent firm at that time under Ar. Kamu Iyer, who is no more. In 1986, I decided to go abroad to the United States to pursue my Masters in Urban Design, and completed it at Harvard University at the Graduate School of Design, Harvard (1986 to 88). After working with a...

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...