Abstract
This paper presents a holistic decision support tool developed for use during the early stages of facade design. The tool is based on the interdependent relationships between facade performance, facade parameters, and conditions (environmental and spatial). It assumes that a decision maker has the ability to enhance the performance of a facade by making proper decisions on the design parameters in line with the conditions. However, since facade performance has various aspects (sometimes conflicting) to be considered at once, it is hard to predict the impacts of decisions on the overall performance. A single design decision may increase the performance in one aspect while decreasing it in other aspects. The tool aims to function as a guide to decision makers by indicating the impacts of design decisions on different functional aspects of facade performance from a holistic point of view. Functional requirements included within the tool are safety requirements such as structural stability and fire protection, health-related requirements such as weather protection (protection against water, air, and moisture), and requirements related to the well-being of the users such as thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort. Information provided in the tool is based upon an extensive literature review and structured as an Excel spreadsheet.
Highlights
Facades have always played significant roles in buildings, such as protector and/or regulator between outside and inside conditions [1]
This paper presents a holistic decision support tool developed for use during the early stages of facade design
After an in-depth analysis of the literature, relationships were established between facade design and facade performance, facade performance and conditions, and conditions and facade design
Summary
Facades have always played significant roles in buildings, such as protector (as a barrier, filter, insulation) and/or regulator (by controlling, responding, changing) between outside and inside conditions [1]. In parallel with technological developments and rising awareness, the importance and attention given to building facade performance have increased. Facade performance is a general expression that involves various aspects such as functional, ecological, and economical. Even the functional performance of a facade has different aspects. A decision maker has the ability to enhance the performance of a facade by making proper decisions on the design parameters in line with the conditions. Since facade performance has various aspects (sometimes conflicting) to be considered at once, it is hard to predict the impacts of decisions on the performance. A single design decision may increase the performance in one aspect while decreasing it in other aspects
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
