Introduction:
With sustained technological advances, the construction sector is also evolving at a rapid pace. As concerns about ensuring building safety remain a top priority, this is where the aspect of resilient façades comes into play.
During this interview, I’ll be discussing various aspects, examining key principles from a global stance, and placing emphasis on the challenges faced by developing countries in ensuring resilient façades. While conditions such as region, climate, and economic factors differ and greatly influence our approach, it is important to emphasise the common themes, as façades play an essential role not only as a physical structure but also as a means to foster a sense of heritage and well-being within communities.
How do you define “resilient façades” in the context of building safety, and what key principles do you believe are essential for achieving this resilience?
Resilient façades are the outer layer of a building, the envelope designed to withstand various threats and ensure occupant safety while acting as the culmination of various factors that contemplate the building’s surroundings. Thus, the resilience of a surface is related to its ability to withstand its surrounding environment. The key principles to achieve resilience should therefore be found within that context and environment – the sense of place – manifested in materials, building methods, local culture, and sustainability factors, among others.
Although one may think of this approach as being less technical, since the subject of envelopes and façades usually takes our imagination to a more high-tech approach, adapting building safety and resilient façades to the local culture allows for these principles to permeate a vast majority of developments, ranging from individual low-income housing to high-rise buildings. This concept, combined with technical factors such as testing, material resistance, and engineering expertise, can make the case for a successfully resilient façade.
Can you share some tips on façade design to enhance building safety and withstand various environmental challenges?
As previously discussed, my solution for the challenges we face today, such as climate change, sustainability, and safety standards, is to allow for a holistic approach throughout the building construction process. This can be done by evaluating the local materials for their ability to meet fire and life safety standards while also considering their environmental aspects and their capacity to withstand extreme climate-related conditions. For the latter, submitting the development through the various certification processes, such as LEED and EDGE, among others, can also positively influence the façade design to tackle the various environmental and sustainability challenges. This aligns with market approaches and solutions like climate-specific design, which involves analysing the local weather patterns to determine suitable materials and anchoring systems incorporating fire-resistant materials in critical areas, and waterproofing, which employs the use of suitable sealants and drainage systems along with the means to capture rainwater from the façades.
Project Case Study 1: Climate-Specific Design: The Bahrain World Trade Center (Manama, Bahrain) by SOM is an iconic twin-tower structure featuring integrated wind turbines and a double-skinned façade. Wind turbines partially cover the energy requirements, resulting in reduced consumption of energy from the power grids, while the double-skinned façade plays an active role in moderating heat transmission.
Project Case Study 2: Resistant Façade: 111 West 57th Street (New York City, USA) by ShoP Architects is an ultra-thin tower with a terracotta rain-screen façade system, providing durability and fire resistance along with additional protection against high winds and heavy rain during severe weather conditions.
What role do innovative materials and technologies play in ensuring the resilience of façades, particularly in the face of climate change and extreme weather events?
Merging innovative materials and technology allows façades to adjust on many levels; for instance, the use of dynamic louvres or ventilated façades can offer a higher tolerance to changing weather patterns. Materials mimicking natural structure offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and enhance safety through laminated glass and self-healing glass, the latter still under development for widespread building applications that can offer improved impact properties and fire resistance.
While our social and governance systems may have handled changes in the past, it has likely been at a slower pace when compared to the current climate situation. It is safe to say that our current status may have exceeded, in many situations, our capacity to cope and solve problems. Innovation in materials and technology, therefore, can provide the practical support we need to tackle issues at an early stage and to provide efficient weather-oriented façade solutions.
When going through the areas where major high-technology construction is being done, I’m thinking about North America, the Gulf region, and major cities in China, among other industrialized regions. It may prove beneficial to consider these projects as having a strong lab aspect to them, as materials and technologies that emerge from megaprojects can strengthen bonds between tech knowledge and local craftsmanship.
For instance, developing countries facing strong winds or other extreme weather activity can adapt technology and lessons learned (with due attention to patents) from the Middle East’s use of high-performance cladding systems designed for extreme heat and sandstorms.
Smart materials, although not directly transferable, may have valuable lessons in their core principles of low-maintenance and durable façades that could also be of beneficial use in certain developing countries. This can lead to improved façade performance, reduced maintenance needs, and inspiration towards technology by pushing boundaries and encouraging many developing countries to explore innovative uses of local materials for façade construction.
None of the aforementioned can be achieved without challenges, be it the high cost of certain advanced technologies, the specificity, and adaptation when faced with different weather patterns, or the actual compatibility (or not) of modern vs. traditional.
Overall, the key lies in knowledge transfer and adaptation – understanding principals and adapting them to local contexts.
Project Case Study 3: Cladding and Shading Devices: Masdar City Buildings (Abu Dhabi, UAE) designed by various architects is an eco-friendly development that aims to decrease the effects of heat that are typical of this region, providing indoor comfort through high-performance façades, mirrors, and shading devices.
How do you approach the integration of sustainable practices into façade design to enhance both resilience and environmental performance?
From a project management standpoint, I’m confident that, currently and for years to come, we will have a multi-functional team of experts who will guide us on the various aspects of façade design. An integrated approach, including the contributions of architects, engineers, and sustainability experts, can have a crucial effect on generating façade and building solutions that enhance safety, cultural awareness, and environmental and sustainable performance.
From a procurement management perspective, the sourcing of local materials, as well as materials with a high percentage of recycled content and high thermal insulation or solar control properties, will be critical to reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental awareness.
From a design management perspective, there are an array of possibilities to explore when it comes to enhancing sustainable practices. For example, buildings with daylighting and natural ventilation done through passive design principles can greatly reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
Project Case Study 4: Recyclable Factor in Materials: Copenhill (Copenhagen, Denmark) by BIG Architects comprises a futuristic plant for converting waste to power and features a distinctive façade clad in an aluminium stacked box design. While there is limited data on the actual percentage of recycled content in the aluminium for this project, the use of aluminium itself offers advantages in terms of the building envelope’s recyclable and sustainable attributes.
Project Case Study 5: Passive Design Strategies: California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco, USA) by Renzo Piano Building Workshop demonstrates the most admirable principles of passive design through the museum’s green roof and movable skylights, helping to provide natural light and fresh air into the building space while reducing dependence on HVAC equipment.
In your opinion, what are the most common vulnerabilities or weaknesses in façade design when it comes to building safety, and how do you address these in your work?
Various factors can influence the success or failure of a façade approach. When discussing the safety factor, the engineering sizing of the structural elements composing the façade plays a critical role, combined with the resistance of materials and their behaviour to the surrounding environment. In my role as a project manager, a detailed assessment of the risk factors is paramount. This includes a team discussion on goals and a clear understanding of the overall context. Engaging the team and fostering an open dialogue among members allows for productive brainstorming sessions. The sharing of knowledge and expertise is, in my view, crucial for an in-depth comprehension of all possible risks and their mitigation measures.
With these efforts, the vulnerabilities I’ve encountered range from design and coordination to quality control and adequate site verification, to name a few.
An integrated approach should be considered, with various subject-matter experts actively contributing to the discussion at an early phase. This ought to include designers, health and safety experts, framing specialists, constructors, and other relevant professionals to maximise efficiency in technical, safety, and economic aspects. Also, assessment of the necessary fire barriers should be part of the coordination process, including the use of fire-stopping gaps and fire-resistant compartmentalization.
Monitoring the degradation of materials over time is crucial, as it poses a significant challenge, particularly in harsh weather conditions. However, these issues can also be effectively addressed by making informed decisions during the design stage, conducting thorough material testing, and obtaining a material warranty.
Proper structure framing for cladding is essential, with special attention given to, for example, exterior stone surfaces. The subject of façade safety is of particular concern for pedestrian safety; therefore, ideally, these matters should also be comprehensively discussed and addressed at the design stage.
Thorough inspections of all mechanically related joints, bolts, and anchors, along with rigorous quality control and adherence to installation guidelines, are also essential to addressing building safety.
How do you navigate the balance between aesthetic considerations and safety requirements when designing façades for different types of buildings and contexts?
As there are many factors to be considered, balance is always a challenge as well as an objective. These can range from client project goals to environmental and sustainability factors, safety, and economics, amon+g many other aspects. In my view, it is critical to view these factors as a positive input to the project rather than a daunting, forced add-on. In sum, a half-full-glass perspective. If managed efficiently, the various factors will allow for additional team engagement, which, from experience, usually brings out meaningful insights (along with the occasional conflict). The effort of trying to balance the various aspects, in this case for façades, is at the core of our objectives in the industry, as we are faced with the task of identifying problems and finding effective solutions to mitigate them.
Site verification can be considered the starting point of this endeavour, along with the building regulations. A thorough grasp of the latter, sometimes with the necessary meetings with the municipal authorities, enables the inclusion of these inputs early in the design stage, which, in my opinion, streamlines the process. The use of advanced software simulations can also help in finding solutions that meet both aesthetic and safety criteria.
Can you discuss any specific challenges or lessons learned from the past related to ensuring resilient façades, and how these experiences influenced your approach to future designs?
I would like to highlight the period when I was involved in the development of affordable and modular housing solutions for sub-Saharan Africa (particularly in Angola and Mozambique). Our main priorities during that time were durability and affordability. This experience provided me with valuable insights that shaped my approach to many other projects.
For large-scale and/or small projects, implementing modular and standardized solutions can lead to increased efficiency and cost savings through economies of scale.
Seizing the opportunity to utilize locally produced materials linked with the latest construction techniques can lead to solutions that are better suited to the local climate, enhancing the durability of the building envelope along with the various sustainable aspects of construction.
Project Case Study 6: Traditional Knowledge and Modern Solutions: Project Otammari – green architecture (Benin) is an initiative that promotes traditional knowledge of construction and creative innovation as the means for contemporary climate solutions. By drastically reducing the net carbon footprint, Otammari Construction also aims to encourage communities to have a healthy and just relationship with the environment.
Project Case Study 7: Digital and Sustainability: Jenga Green Library (Kenya) is a digital platform designed to showcase the full supply chain of sustainable building products and services. With the collaborative effort by the Kenya Green Building Society in partnership with FSD Kenya, it aims to efficiently identify green products and service providers who drive sustainability within the building industry.
What strategies do you employ to ensure that façade designs comply with relevant building codes and regulations?
Staying updated and understanding the objective of a particular regulation or code. For successful design, the regulation’s intent needs to be clearly understood and incorporated into the design concept of the façade. In practical terms:
- Parameters gained through site verification, knowledge of the local codes and regulations, and certification processes should be clear from the start of the design phase, as these will establish the framework for our intervention, both in terms of conceptual development and physical construction.
- Once the design process begins, I am adept at having regular discussions with the experts in the process, which include architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants, among others. As the design progresses, various up-to-date management processes should be followed to verify compliance with the objectives.
- During the design phase, it may be beneficial to adopt a flexible approach, as it is preferable to explore various possibilities and identify the best solution before commencing site work. Engaging with a code official, if feasible, can also yield benefits by clarifying unclear matters.
How do you collaborate with other professionals, such as engineers and sustainability experts, to optimize the resilience and safety of façades throughout the design and construction process?
Once the façade development starts taking shape, there are many factors to consider, from structural integrity to material resistance, environmental and sustainable options, and, of course, economic factors. In my opinion, the desired balance for all of this is achieved through teamwork and collaboration.
During the design phase, it is essential to maintain effective coordination among all disciplines; this can be done using various software methods. Clarity on the project objectives with the team is also important, as each member will have a role to fulfill.
As a project manager, monitoring the work in progress as well as identifying areas where collaborative efforts will be necessary are key responsibilities. During the construction process, it is imperative to conduct quality control on procurement and installation to assess the work done. Efficient risk management and planning procedures should be put in place, along with the appropriate redundancy and mitigation measures.
With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, how do you future-proof façade designs to adapt to evolving climate-related risks and ensure the long-term safety and durability of buildings?
With the severity of environmental conditions evolving, design approaches, technology, and safety thresholds may need to adapt accordingly to ensure façade resistance. The weather data used for calculations and assessments will presumably be updated in due time, reflecting recent and upcoming atmospheric changes. For future-oriented codes, working with policymakers to update codes can also help address evolving climate risks and their effects on the construction process.
In short, collaboration with a wide range of technicians and experts remains essential to address and mitigate the challenges posed by climate change. One of the key aspects of this collaboration should be an update on lessons learned and information sharing. Unfortunately, communities that are disproportionately affected by the severity of climate-related disasters often lack access to advanced construction technology and material resources. Therefore, it is important to assess local materials and manufacturing methods and investigate the integration of new technology into local construction practices to develop cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solutions.
What is your choice of materials, considering fire safety?
The selection of materials is greatly influenced by the location, as it takes into account factors like product availability, fire rating, and cost-effectiveness to arrive at the most suitable solution. From a fire and safety standpoint, passive protection methods should be considered to slow down fire progression through a building and to maintain its structural integrity. In essence, it is advisable to prioritize materials that are non-combustible and/or have fire-resistant coatings and to coordinate safety strategies, preferably early in the design stage.
Non-combustible materials can include natural stones such as granite and basalt, as these are commonly used due to their superior fire resistance and durability. Additionally, various cladding alternatives can be considered, from aluminium to terracotta panels, all benefiting from non-combustible characteristics and offering various design options. Clay bricks are usually a classic and fire-resistant option. Furthermore, fire-retardant coatings can also be a resort when combustible materials are at play.
The use of materials differs from one region to another. For instance, when considering locally sourced materials in diverse areas within sub-Saharan Africa, one can explore alternatives like laterite bricks and composite earth blocks, which offer excellent fire resistance and thermal insulation. Another material that shows promising results as a fire-resistant and strong building material is basalt fibre-reinforced plastic (BFRP), derived from volcanic rock. However, its limited use may be attributed to production-related challenges.
I used BFRP as a mere case study to illustrate the research aspect applied to construction to provide materials with enhanced fire-resistant capabilities. As an example, it may present an excellent chance to explore hybrid methods that combine both standard and local materials. One hypothetical scenario could be the use of a fire-resistant base layer paired with rainscreen cladding made from locally sourced materials.
As we strive to discover ways to transfer knowledge and adapt to local environments, it is important to adhere to fire safety regulations in the specific area. The material selection should align with these regulations, as they will ultimately shape many of our design decisions. Furthermore, building maintenance is critical to ensuring that materials remain fire-resistant.
How do you envision the future of building safety in façade architecture?
I’m confident that as technology progresses and more useful techniques emerge, we’ll be able to integrate solutions with increasingly better outcomes.
As we continue to lean towards construction solutions that excel in terms of both timelines and budgets (when compared to conventional methods of construction), it will become increasingly important to prioritize quality control processes, as these will not only ensure the durability of materials in various environmental surroundings and extreme climate conditions but will also focus on guaranteeing the necessary fire-resistant properties of the materials.
Technology will generally be present throughout the construction process through advanced simulations and comprehensive use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in all its possible dimensions, along with virtual reality and artificial intelligence, all of which will allow us to make, hopefully, informed and conscious decisions regarding safety, environmental, and sustainability practices.
However, considering that some of the technology may bring disruptive social changes, it is crucial to carefully consider its implementation and potential consequences. For instance, the use of artificial intelligence during construction maintenance, which may improve safety and efficiency, may also have a negative influence on jobs in the construction sector.
Conclusion:
The subject of Ensuring Resilient Façades: Building safety can be viewed from multiple angles, from fire and life safety to the idea of an external envelope for energy preservation, which includes heat, cold, and rain collection for sustainability, as well as the ability to endure the surrounding weather conditions. Building methods regarding safety, environmental, and sustainability practices are being, in many ways, effectively implemented, especially in industrialized regions, perhaps except for climate change, as one can consider this to be a work in progress.
I have also, however, been confronted with a different set of concerns, focused on developing countries and the challenges they face on various fronts, and due to this, my answers to this interview naturally gravitated around these regions. With a portion of this area’s population living in informal settlements, exposure to climate-driven impacts such as heatwaves, extreme precipitation, and storms highlights the need for solutions that can ensure the resilience and safety of façades throughout the building industry.
So, the question I asked myself during this interview was, “How can we, as a construction community, create resilient solutions from a holistic perspective?”
This is where I think innovation can begin, with a strong connection between scientific knowledge and indigenous knowledge. By integrating local building techniques, some of which may have been passed down through generations, and transforming them to suit contemporary needs, many initiatives are currently being implemented, including a few attempts to integrate traditional construction with contemporary climate technology and the use of open-source solar energy. These considerations, while seemingly utopian, sometimes unpractical, and at an inception phase, may have a positive outcome as they provide local populations with the means to develop and build resilient and safe edifices with an exterior envelope able to better withstand weather conditions and to be better prepared for what is yet to come due to climate change effects.
In brief, by embracing innovation and fostering collaboration across disciplines and borders, we can ensure that building façades protect and play a vital role, not only in adapting to the challenges of a changing world but also in encouraging a more sustainable future.
