Session 2 | Building Material: Performance and geometry driving expansion of the facade materials palette

Aesthetic, experiential and performative behaviors of building skins are deeply influenced by decisions regarding materials, products and systems. The critical importance of the building skin is gradually being recognized as reflected in the new energy step codes, which increase the demands on materials and products and the integration of the facade and building systems. Facade designs are becoming increasingly complex, partially driven by these enhanced performance demands but even more so by the aesthetically driven amplification of formal diversity in the building skin—the pursuit of the iconic—pushing the limits of tradition materials and products and forcing an expansion of the facade materials palette. This session explores developments ranging from new glazing assemblies to advanced material technologies with the potential to extend the current limits of facade and building design and construction.