This books comprises various themes around imaginary facades and building envelopes. Aspects such as function integration, networking of elements, new structures and materials, as well as the addition of functions to existing structures are investigated in around 85 examples.

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES FOR ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, AND BUILDERS Once an experimental building form, structural glass facades have matured into a fully robust technology. Structural Glass Facades and Enclosures documents, defines, and categorizes the current state of the art in long-span glass facade design and construction, with a focus on structural systems, glass cladding options, and implementation strategies for innovative design. A comparative analysis of these various systems is included, along with designs and design practices for enhancing transparency; engineering issues; material, process, and fabrication considerations; installation means and methods; and project delivery strategies for implementing innovative building technology in today's construction marketplace. The reader will find information here that is not available together in any single resource, including: Structural system types and design options, with integrated glass system options and their application on each of the structural types An in-depth discussion of design, fabrication, and installation issues relative to each system type, accompanied by illustrations and photographs A discussion of the challenges of implementing innovative design and technology in the construction industry, and operational practices to improve the probability of success A series of in-depth case studies documenting representative samples of stunning built works that employ the technology and design principles identified in the book Structural Glass Facades and Enclosures provides expert content for putting cutting-edge technology into real-life practice, creating new potential for fresh applications embracing both aesthetic and performance solutions, and for the adoption of the technology by architects, builders, and facade practitioners.

A comprehensive guide to the design and execution of sophisticated exterior building enclosures Focused on the design process for architects and related professionals, this book addresses the design and execution of sophisticated exterior building enclosures for a number of commercial building types and in a variety of building materials. It focuses on the design process by delineating enclosure basics, the participants (owners, architects, engineers, consultants) and their roles and responsibilities through collaboration, and tracking the design process through construction. This comprehensive handbook covers all of the factors that affect the design of a building enclosure, including function, visual aesthetics, performance requirements, and many other criteria. In-depth case studies of projects of various scales, types, and climate conditions illustrate the successful implementation of exterior wall enclosure solutions in brick masonry, stone, architectural concrete, glass, and metals. This unique and indispensable guide: Defines the functions, physical requirements, design principles, and types of exterior building enclosures Identifies the participants in the design and construction process and specifies their roles and responsibilities Presents a step-by-step process for the design of exterior enclosures, from defining goals and developing concepts through creating construction documents Reviews the construction process from bidding and negotiation through the paper phase to the "brick and mortar" stage Provides details on the properties of exterior enclosure materials, including structural considerations, weather protection, fire safety, and more Covers a variety of materials, including brick masonry, natural stone masonry, architectural concrete, metal framing and glass, and all-glass enclosures Written by the technical director of the San Francisco office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Exterior Building Enclosures is an indispensable resource for architects, engineers, facade consultants, and green design consultants working on commercial building projects.

This fascinating sourcebook presents the most remarkable, beautiful, and innovative building façades in contemporary architecture. A building's façade sets the aesthetic tone for its entire design while serving a variety of functions, from regulating light and protecting against the elements to providing insulation for temperature and sound. This absorbing book details hundreds of examples of interesting and progressive façades from around the world. Presented in colorful double-page spreads, each façade is photographed from different angles and includes engaging texts that describe their significance. Readers can learn how traditional mashrabiyas in Abu Dhabi are being engineered to respond to light and to regulate heat, how a hospital in Mexico City has been constructed with "smog-eating" tiles, and how a "bio-adaptive" façade in Germany uses algae to generate energy and provide shade. Informative and accessible, this compendium is a highly useful resource for architects, engineers, and designers.

Comprehensive, in-depth coverage from leading experts in thefield A historic building is a fragile resource that requires the finestcare. Maintenance and rehabilitation of walls and facades call fora thorough understanding of the forces that cause deterioration,knowledge of the properties of building materials, up-to-dateinspection tools and methods, and a solid command of renovation andrepair techniques. In this complete reference manual, recognizedexperts provide state-of-the-art information and methodologies forthe inspection, maintenance, and restoration of historic buildingsof virtually every period, style, and material. Each chapter opens with a general discussion of the facade materialand the ways in which structural and decorative elements arevulnerable to an array of environmental forces. After a detailedinvestigation of tools and techniques for inspection, the textexplores planning issues for the restoration or replacement offacade components. Special features include: * Separate chapters on each major type of building material--stonemasonry, brick masonry, terra-cotta masonry, cast stone, mortar,concrete, cast iron, sheet metal, and wood * An entire chapter on caulks and sealants * 35 original line drawings and 43 black and white photos that helpvisualize technical information * Selected success stories from preservation projects across theUnited States For architects, building contractors, and owners of historicbuildings, Historic Building Facades clarifies procedures, helpsidentify sources of deterioration, and offers solutions to even themost difficult maintenance and rehabilitation problems. It is alsoan excellent reference for building preservationists, architecturalhistorians, and students of building design and preservation.

Combined with ASTM Standard Practice for Periodic Inspection of Building Facades for Unsafe Conditions (E 2270), this new publication provides a rational guide for building owners and governing authorities to help ensure the safety of our aging building infrastructure. Twenty-four peer-reviewed papers, written by experts who bring first hand knowledge and experience to this work, cover faade ordinances; historic buildings; data collection techniques; and repair techniques."

"International Facades - CROFT" links the fields of architecture, building services and building physics. It aims at an international diversity in façade design to reduce energy consumption in building design. Current architectural planning practices, such as the International Style, perceive the climate often as a problem, rather than an opportunity to work with it. This doctoral thesis presents a “Facade Expert Tool” (FET) that analyses the climate and the combination of the façade and building services. The goal of FET is to easily analyse the climate of a particular location and to then limit the possible combination of façade and building services components to a practical level. Through FET Marcel Bilow has developed “Climate Responsive Optimised Facade Technologies” (CROFT). CROFT demonstrates the potential for sustainable building operation through the use new technologies that respond to the requirements posed on façades in climate zones as divers as those found in Moscow, Singapore, Berlin and Dubai.