Facade Design Research Articles

Influence of a facade design on thermal and visual comfort in an elementary school classroom

Thermal and visual comfort are important elements in the learning process. The object chosen was the classroom of the Sawah Besar 01 public elementary school, Semarang where the building tends to have a homogeneous facade design but with openings that have varying orientation directions. This affects the level of comfort both thermal and visual in the classroom. Data analysis was carried out quantitatively, namely to obtain a thermal comfort index and natural lighting comfort index according to the Indonesia National Standard. The thermal comfort conditions of all selected rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors did not meet the comfortable thermal comfort standard for classrooms. Rooms 1 and 2 on the 1st floor tend to be above the minimum level of classroom lighting. Room 3 on the 2nd floor tends to be stable and all of them are above the minimum limit. In room 4 on the 2nd floor, the general lighting level has exceeded the minimum limit. New façade opening designs and mechanical ventilation aids need to be applied to improve thermal and visual comfort according to the Indonesia National Standard.

Creating glazed facades performance map based on energy and thermal comfort perspective for office building design strategies in Asian hot-humid climate zone

Glazed facades are broadly applied in modern architecture especially office buildings. However, glass enables massive heat transmitted into buildings that leads to thermal discomfort and energy profligacy particularly in hot-humid climate zone. Considering the strategies of energy use and thermal comfort at initial design process is beneficial for building performance, while there is shortage of approachable method to easily involve in building energy modeling or thermal comfort assessment. To enhance the connection of architecture design and building environment, this study proposed a guide map to provide visualized information from the aspects of energy use and thermal comfort through simulating the performance of different composition of glazed facade parameters. Specifically, cases with various facade configurations located in Southeast Asia cities are set to demonstrate the cooling load and long-term thermal comfort evaluation, including Environmental Quality Index (EQI), Spatial Thermal Comfort Availability (sTCA), and Temporal Thermal Comfort Usability (tTCU). Furthermore, a comprehensive thermal parameter called facade solar aperture is suggested to describe the performance of solar gains from facade; eventually, correlation among facade parameters, energy use, thermal comfort, and geographic location is disclosed. The results also indicated that to eliminate the discomfort for maintaining the condition of PMV = 0.5, the setting temperature of air-conditioning needs to be decreased by 2 °C ∼ 3 °C which corresponding to the increasing cooling load of 142.5 MJ/m2 to 215.0 MJ/m2. Comprehensively, through the proposed method, architects can obtain optimal schemes of different parameters, then balance the energy conservation and thermal comfort through better glazed facade design strategies.

소형 주택의 창면적비에 따른 냉방 및 난방 에너지 소요량과 시공비용 연구

As the global warming problem becomes more serious, the Korean government is putting considerable effort to reduce primary energy consumption and carbon generation by implementing relevant policies. In this study, a small-scale house with a floor area of 114.51 m2 located in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggido, Korea was selected to study the effect of window wall ratio on cooling and heating energy consumption, energy cost, and construction cost. Cooling and heating loads and energy consumption in consideration of the window design were analyzed using PHPP, an energy balance, and a passive house planning tool. The height of the east side window was fixed at 3.89 m, while the width was changed to the present Base and two alternative designs. The window areas were 18, 12, and 6 m2 for Base, ALT-1, and ALT-2, respectively. Temperature, humidity, and infiltration were measured for PHPP input values. When the window areas were reduced by 33% and 67% relative to the Base, cooling and heating energy per unit floor area were reduced by only a small amount. Similar results were obtained for heating and cooling energy costs. Our findings indicated that adopting ALT-2, the design with the least window area can reduce the construction cost by 8.5% or 7.764 million won. Therefore, unlike for the energy consumption, much higher construction cost reduction can be achieved with a small window area. This is expected to have a significant impact on the facade design according to the client

The sustainability challenge of product information quality in the design and construction of facades: lessons from the Grenfell Tower fire

PurposeThis paper explores the quality and flow of facade product information and the capabilities for avoiding the risk of facade fires early in the design process.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study using the process tracing method is conducted in two stages. First, a thematic analysis of reports and literature identified two categories for the problems that caused fast fire spread across the Grenfell Tower facade. This enabled classifying the identified problems into four stages of a facade life cycle: product design and manufacturing, procurement, facade design and construction. Second, the capabilities for avoiding the problems were explored by conducting in-depth interviews with 18 experts in nine countries, analyzing design processes and designers' expertise and examining the usability of three digital interfaces in providing required information for designing fire-safe facades.FindingsThe results show fundamental flaws in the quality of facade product information and usability of digital interfaces concerning fire safety. These flaws, fragmented design processes and overreliance on other specialists increase the risk of design defects that cause fast fire spread across facades.Practical implicationsThe findings have implications for standardization of building product information, digitalization in industrialized construction and facade design management.Originality/valueThis research adds to the body of knowledge on sustainability in the built environment. It is the first study to highlight the fundamental problem of facade product information, which requires urgent attention in the rapid transition toward digital and industrialized construction.

INNOVATIVE POLYMER MATERIALS - IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM IN A SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEY

The use of innovative building materials is a topical issue in modem construction. A sociological survey was conducted on the objectives of the study. The use of ETFE films is based both on the possibility of implementing almost any ideas of designers and architects in the design of facades and roofs of various structures, and on the specific features of this fluoropolymer. The characteristics are presented and the advantages of this polymeric material are substantiated. Innovation in construction is an innovation that provides a qualitative increase in the efficiency of the processes of erection or operation of buildings and structures. The construction membrane technology based on the use of a composite polymer material-ETFE film (ETFE - ethylene tetrafluoroethylene or ETFE - ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or partially fluorinated copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene) has a set of advantages compared to traditional technologies. The use of innovative building materials is a topical issue in modem construction. A sociological survey was conducted on the objectives of the study. The use of ETFE films is based both on the possibility of implementing almost any ideas of designers and architects in the design of facades and roofs of various structures, and on the specific features of this fluoropolymer. The characteristics are presented and the advantages of this polymeric material are substantiated. Innovation in construction is an innovation that provides a qualitative increase in the efficiency of the processes of erection or operation of buildings and structures. The construction membrane technology based on the use of a composite polymer material-ETFE film (ETFE - ethylene tetrafluoroethylene or ETFE - ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or partially fluorinated copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene) has a set of advantages compared to traditional technologies.

Reflections of Ottoman Westernization on Giresun-Piraziz: Facade Design of Tiralizade Mansions

Osmanlı Devleti, XVIII. yüzyılda başta askeri alanda olmak üzere birçok alanı iyileştirmek maksadıyla batıyla olan bağlantısını kuvvetlendirmiş ve modernleşme yoluna gitmiştir. Batılılaşma çabalarıyla ve Avrupa’daki uygulamalara dayanarak devletin her mekanizmasını revize etmeye çalışmıştır. Bu çerçevede batılılaşma çabalarının sanatsal tezahürü de XVIII. yüzyıldan itibaren görülmeye başlamıştır. Mimaride, batılı üsluplar öncelikle başkent İstanbul’da bir müddet sonra da taşrada inşa edilen dini, sivil ve askeri yapı gruplarında etkisini göstermiştir.XVIII. yüzyılda inşa edilen farklı yapı gruplarında öncelikle Avrupa ülkelerinde hâkim olan Rokoko ile Barok üslupların süsleme detaylarında ve cephe tasarımlarında etkileri görülmektedir. XIX. yüzyıl sonlarında ise Ampir, Neoklasisizm gibi batılı birçok üslup ve doğulu (Oryantalizm) birçok unsur ya tek başına ya da bir arada (Eklektik biçimde) çoğunlukla gayrimüslim ya da yabancı mimarlar aracılığıyla mimaride yerlerini almıştır.Geleneksel cephe tasarımlarında inşa edilen konaklar haricinde cepheleri batılı üsluplarla şekillendirilen konak örneklerine ise hemen her şehirde rastlamak mümkündür. Bu yapıların banileri şehrin ileri gelen varlıklı aileleridir. Dönemin yeniliklerini takip eden, inşa ettirdikleri yapıları prestij unsuru olarak da öne çıkarmak isteyen bu ailelerden biri Karadeniz Bölgesi’nde bulunan Tiralizadelerdir. XIX. yüzyılda ayanlık payesi verilen Tirelizadelerin bir taşra şehri olan Giresun’un Piraziz İlçesi’nde inşa ettirdiği konaklarda batılı üsluplara özgü düzenlemelerin yer aldığı açıkça görülebilmektedir. Bu bağlamda Tiralizade ailesine ait konaklarda, XX. yüzyıl itibari ile batılı etki ile cephe yüzeylerinde kendini gösteren süsleme ve tasarım ögelerinin incelenmesi çalışmamızın konusunu oluşturmaktadır. Karadeniz’deki sahil yerleşiminde varlıklı ailelere ait tespit edilen konaklar üzerine yapılan bu çalışmayla Geç Osmanlı dönemi mimarisine yeni örnekler kazandırılmış olacaktır.

A Study on the Architectural Characteristics of Theodora House in Carlsberg Byen, Denmark

The purpose of this study is to propose new ideas and directions for urban regeneration in Korea, and to understand the implications of architecturally protecting the environment or a plan that respects history by analyzing the case of urban regeneration in Denmark. To this end, the historical background, development guidelines and project development were examined through a theoretical study on the development of Carlsberg Byen developed to preserve the historicity and environment of Copenhagen, Denmark, and the architectural characteristics of Theodora House in Carlsberg Byen were analyzed. The conclusions are as follows: 1) Urban regeneration means giving a new function and significance to the city and enhancing its social and economic value by increasing its contribution to environmental protection while preserving its historical and cultural values. 2) The harmony with the surrounding area should also be emphasized at the same time when the historicity of the city and old buildings are protected by reusing the old building materials and reconstructing the old facades. 3) Besides the physical regeneration of a building, the functional regeneration is also an important means to preserve its historicity. 4) It’s also an important part of urban regeneration to create new meaning and value by introducing new functions and adopting new facade design.

Surface visual stimulation by spatial addition. Case‐studies of layered glass facades

Transparency is no longer limited to specific functions (e.g. illumination of the interior) but has become a tool of formal expression itself. Apart from the standard understanding of transparency as the use of light‐permeable materials in facade design, one can find other innovative and creative interpretations. Usually, technical solutions have priority over aesthetic considerations in many situations many purely formal trends find their origin in technology and design decisions that are governed by rational issues. The impression of depth was initially created as a by‐product of double facades, however, also other innovative techniques are used to enrich the spatial depth of the facade, multiply the observed plans and to achieve the picturesque effects of blur, stratification or movement. Elements of artificial or authentic space stratification are present in almost every analyzed case‐study, providing important insights for the formulation of formal, architectural trends. The presented paper describes and provides a simplified typology of the most recent and distinct trends regarding the introduction of the spatial depth into the facade. Many pre‐existing techniques (meaning existing before the year 2000) are still used, but new techniques also appear. The presented research indicates that the depth of the facade is what stimulates architects to search for new ways of utilizing light‐transmitting materials. Pane superposition could be one of the ways to achieve this.

Connecting Artificial Intelligence and Structural Glass Engineering – Overview, Potentials and Case Studies

This paper introduces the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to structural glass engineering and glass industry audience. The first part of the paper is concerned with lying nomenclature and theory foundation of AI and its subclasses of Machine and Deep Learning (ML/DL), elaborating the specific needs and requirements for the application in a structural glass context. A subsequent section explores applications of AI for different subjects within the production and quality assessment of glass products as well as the design, verification and monitoring of facades and glass structures. This paper presents successfully conducted industry projects by the authors, which are: supervised ML for material parameter identification of polymeric interlayers used in laminated glass, the prediction of sound insulation properties of insulation glass units and glass laminates and the application of computer vision DL methods to image classification of the Pummel test. A visionary outlook highlights how to use AI for future generative design and verification of glass structures for rapid collaborative prototyping. The summary and conclusion section wraps up the main findings for the applicability and impact of AI for the presented structural glass research and industry problems. This paper shows, that already by today in many cases AI, data, software and computing resources are already in place to successfully implement and conduct AI projects in the glass industry and structural glass engineering practice.

Benchmarking clear sky and transposition models for solar irradiance estimation on vertical planes to facilitate glazed facade design

The present study aims to benchmark the models utilized for estimating the solar irradiance on vertical planes that can facilitate the determination of critical conditions, which are utilized in the glazed facade design. Accordingly, in the first part of the study, the performance of PVGIS databases for Europe for estimating the solar irradiance components on the horizontal surfaces is compared with the on-site measurements at Bolzano airport (Italy). It is demonstrated that PVGIS-SARAH estimates both the global and diffuse solar irradiance components, compared to on-site measurements, with an acceptable error range (± 2–5%). The accuracy of isotropic and anisotropic transposition models is then compared for the same location, which demonstrates that the isotropic model tends to underestimate the global vertical incident irradiance by 6–12% of the daily peak value, while an agreement between the estimations of the anisotropic Perez model and the measurements is observed.Next, the performance of Ineichen, Solis and SPECMAGIC clear sky models, transposed with anisotropic Perez model, have been assessed utilizing field measurements on vertical facades at four different locations in Europe. The broadband version of Solis clear sky model, transposed with anisotropic Perez model, demonstrates R2 scores between 0.85 to 0.95 for the considered locations, indicating that this approach can be utilized as an alternative to open-source/commercially available data sources to estimate the solar irradiance on vertical facades. Finally, for the case study of a triple glazing system, comparing the surface temperatures obtained employing the latter approach with those determined using other commonly utilized irradiance data sources shows a discrepancy of up to 7 °C.

Utilizing High Performance Computing to Improve the Application of Machine Learning for Time-Efficient Prediction of Buildings’ Daylighting Performance

Architects often investigate the daylighting performance of hundreds of design solutions and configurations to ensure an energy-efficient solution for their designs. To shorten the time required for daylighting simulations, architects usually reduce the number of variables or parameters of the building and facade design. This practice usually results in the elimination of design variables that could contribute to an energy-optimized design configuration. Therefore, recent research has focused on incorporating machine learning algorithms that require the execution of only a relatively small subset of the simulations to predict the daylighting and energy performance of buildings. Although machine learning has been shown to be accurate, it still becomes a time-consuming process due to the time required to execute a set of simulations to be used as training and validation data. Furthermore, to save time, designers often decide to use a small simulation subset, which leads to a poorly designed machine learning algorithm that produces inaccurate results. Therefore, this study aims to introduce an automated framework that utilizes high performance computing (HPC) to execute the simulations necessary for the machine learning algorithm while saving time and effort. High performance computing facilitates the execution of thousands of tasks simultaneously for a time-efficient simulation process, therefore allowing designers to increase the size of the simulation’s subset. Pairing high performance computing with machine learning allows for accurate and nearly instantaneous building performance predictions.

The importance of iterative process in facade design optimization for a green office building in South Tangerang City

Currently, climate change and wellbeing provoke buildings to have higher sustainable performance. So, the condition expects that buildings can tackle those issues that benefit and less impact the environment and its occupants. This particular target needs integrated design approach that the role of the iterative process is necessary. The study focuses on the process of facade design for the buildings that are targeted to have sustainable performance. So, the design of the building facades shall be in accordance with the green building standard issued by GBC Indonesia, Greenship NB Version 1.2. The optimization of facade design was conducted based on three parameters: OTTV, daylight, and outside view. The minimum requirements for each parameter are 35 Watts/sqm for maximum OTTV, 30% for a minimum active area covered by daylight, and 75% for a minimum active area with an outside view. One of the aims of this study is to give a depiction of how to conduct a design process by using an iterative way. In addition, it is to identify the critical keys in enabling the building to the requirements.

Heat Transfer in the Universal Form of High-rise Buildings in Various Climate Zones

ABSTRACT The design of form and facade in high-rise buildings impacts on energy consumption, especially in heating and cooling. Applying passive design techniques in building forms is a crucial step to decrease energy loads for heating and cooling in the design phase. This paper aims to show the energy required for and mechanism of heat transfer in universal forms of high-rise buildings (Extruder, Rotor, and Twister) in various climate zones. This article studies the heat gains and losses accumulated in the facade (including infiltration) based on the buildings’ forms and the climate where they are located. The simulation is conducted using Sefaira®. Energy consumption of thermal conditioning as the impact of heat transfer will also be discussed. The results show that climate plays a role in determining the heating and cooling performances of high-rise buildings with universal forms. The Rotor model performs the best for heating and cooling in all climate zones, while the Extruder model is most suitable in cold climates.

Facade Design Process to Establish and Achieve Net Zero Carbon Building Targets

As more stringent building energy codes and sustainability certification goals have become more prevalent in recent years, a focus for many building designers has been reducing the operational energy with the objective of reaching net-zero energy targets. More recently, as the efficiency in operational energy use has increased significantly, the focus is moving towards the environmental impact of building materials, primarily reflected in the embodied energy and emissions, and the potential (re)life options that allow circular material flows and reduced global warming potential. This paper investigates a methodology applied during early and advanced design development phases to assess and compare different façade typology carbon emissions. Embodied carbon is evaluated through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis, and operational carbon is analysed during the service life of the office building through energy simulation. Results show that overall carbon assessment of different facade solution can provide useful design feedback in the decision-making process.

Apartment Façade Design Characteristics for Middle and Upper Occupants with Ecological Design Approach

Social and economic conditions affect people’s behavior and preference for housing and the selection of housing area and its design. People with higher economic and social conditions will choose a better quality of housing and the environment. This decision also influences housing preference for apartment design. The quality of the apartment is influenced by a healthy environment, the use of energy that is efficient and can be recycled, using the eco-design approach, and basic facilities are provided. This study focuses on design-based research for designing an apartment building that suits the preferences of middle and upper occupants with an ecological approach. In this study, middle and upper occupant preference determines the shape of the facade design in buildings. In order to determine design parameters and criteria, this study uses a literature review, data analysis, and architectural precedent study. The result finds that several aspects are synthesized and selected as general design criteria apartment buildings. The important parameters in the design of the facade of the building are attractive façade design and emphasize the changing color through vegetation design inside and surrounding the building facades at each season. The building is designed minimalist architecture with a neutral color selection that is combined with natural colors such as wood and stone. Parts of apartment facilities can also be accessed by the occupants easily. Placement of vegetation evenly gives the impression of being close to nature and provides relaxation for each occupant of the apartment building.

Design and Manufacturing of Adaptive Facades in a Life Cycle Approach: A Survey on Challenges and Solutions in the Italian Building Industry

The market of Adaptive Building Skins has been growing at a slow but incremental speed, as these technologies ensure better indoor climatic comfort and more efficient energy management than traditional solutions. Nonetheless, if we acknowledge the building as a system of physical qualities oriented to overall environmental performance, the resource optimization has to be extended to considering a wider range of environmental impacts along the entire building life cycle. For this purpose, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method is recognized by stakeholders as the most world-renowned standardized tool for weighting environmental impacts. The aim of this study is to scrutinize the state of the art of LCA among stakeholders enrolled in the design and manufacturing of building and adaptive facades in the Italian market. Data have been collected throughout interviews and an online survey focusing on investigating the knowledge and experience level of participants. Results not only draw the attention to develop new market models by implementing sustainable building protocols concerning adaptive technologies, but also provided a positive assessment on the usability degree of a parametric design mapping based on a systemic and life-cycle-oriented approach to achieve environmental scopes and introduce competitive factors and boost innovation in the Italian building industry.

Design, fabrication, and construction of a freeform GFRP facade

ABSTRACT This paper demonstrates the application method of GFRP (glass fibre reinforced polymer) on freeform facades, including the design, fabrication, and construction based on an architectural oddment in Fuzhou. This architectural oddment, which covers a sunken plaza, is a sculptural-shaped structure inspired by three-morning glories, and its freeform facade is made up of 4 mm-thick GFRP panels. It is the first all-GFRP structure in China. Based on the construction plan adopted in this project, the final architectural aesthetics satisfy the original expectations of the design, indicating that GFRP panels can perform well as facade components. On the other hand, certain defects highlight problems for further investigation. The benefits and limitations of GFRP when applied on the freeform facade are discussed at the end of the paper, providing a reference for similar architectures.

How does teaching architectural history meld into design education? A quick studio

This study aims to reveal a design case in architectural education so that the gap between theory and practice can be reduced. For this purpose, an architectural history course and working in an architectural studio were chosen as the fundamental courses which constitute experimental area of the study. The inquiry orientation of this experimental practice is the discussion of the contributions and consequences of different perceptual methods to the teaching/learning level, as well as the provision of a variety of practices for direct learning. The method chosen was to adapt the architectural history course, which is generally based on theoretical narrative and supported by visual stimuli, for use in the architectural studio. For this purpose, the concept of style, borrowed from the architectural history course, has been turned into a useful design resource. Styles are described with the use of keywords in terms of their formal, structural, and conceptual features, and these features have been used as a design resource in the design of a new facade. Depending on the cognitive activity of each student, the study and interpretation of style have changed, which has led to differentiation in terms of design behaviors. Although such a study can impose some restrictions in terms of creative behaviors and morphological approaches, they can be eliminated by the exercise of the designer’s cognitive ability. In addition, such a method has created a new experimental field involving the integration of theory and practice in architectural education by melding an architectural history course into architectural studio activities.

The Influence of Product and Facade Design towards Consumer Preferences

The façade is an architectural element that is to show the functional and meaning of the building. The façade design of a house is generally on the of the basic considerations for consumers to buy. In addition, the face design has always been a promotional information in the marketing mis that used by housing developers. This study was intended to identity the effect of product and façade design towards consumer preferences in lower-middle housing. The object study was Pondok Indah Matani housing in Kupang, NTT. This study used experimental approach by manipulating research variables. The manipulated variables were product and façade design, while the influenced variables were consumer preferences. The determination of sample used purposive sampling method with a technical survey using a questionnaire. The result of study stated that the product and façade design had a significant effect on consumer preferences, through (1) the application of contrasting colors, (2) the firm boundaries in transition area in front of the house and (3) the complexity of the product dan façade design should be not too complicated so that it was easy to care post purchase.

The Aesthetical Perception of Residences in the North and South of the City regarding Residential Building Facades

Nowadays, paying attention to the facade and facade design has considerable importance. The facade of the buildings and constructions is an important part of the urban landscape, and thereupon it plays a great role in urban quality. One of the important factors in forming the urban landscapes is employing aesthetic measures as touchstones in the design process. The goal of this study is to reach a set of aesthetic measures from the viewpoint of people in the same society according to the perceptual differences of citizens in the northern and southern regions of Tehran. There are several measures that by relying on them we can arrive at an ideal facade design from the viewpoint of people and the building users; designers can also be used to help designers cooperate with the idea and viewpoints of people, their approval in their designs. The following research is done in an applied-analytic method and gathering the data was done by library and field research and by designing questionnaires for the users. By scrutinizing and analyzing the data, it is concluded that the objective criteria are in priority for specifying the beauty in the facade of residential.