A burning question
In recent decades the use of unitized glazing systems has become increasingly common especially for high-rise construction. The opaque panels in unit…
In recent decades the use of unitized glazing systems has become increasingly common especially for high-rise construction. The opaque panels in unit…
As the first phase of a $4 billion dollar, 180-acre, 60 building government preservation project in Washington DC, this case study reviews the envelo…
With increasing interest in wellness and human-centric design in workplaces, the design of building enclosures is predicated on optimizing competing …
This paper will address the potential of ornamental architectural terracotta surfaces to mitigate the effects of climate fluctuations that will creat…
Today, building facades are expected to do much more than merely provide shelter, which is driving the need for higher performing envelope solutions.…
It is commonly thought that fenestration U-factor is not a key determinant in the performance of facades in hot climates, and generally the focus of …
Silicone materials have a long history in high performance building projects. Known for durability, they can reduce a building’s carbon footprint by …
Energy codes across the country are progressively getting stricter and increasing the threshold for a baseline building’s energy performance. Califor…
Factory inspection visits are vital, yet they unfortunately have a habit of being overlooked. The factory inspection process during the Building Enve…
There is no doubting the longevity of stainless steel building facades. The Chrysler Building and numerous buildings that followed have stood the tes…
Facades developed in response to climactic factors increase performance and human comfort while reducing energy loads. A single building envelope wil…
This paper tells the story of a Double Skin Facade (DSF), where high performance and multi-disciplinary collaboration saves a library concept of open…
Over the years, the industry has relied heavily on the increasing performance of low-e coatings to drive window U-factors (thermal transmittance) low…
Today, about 40% of all buildings in the U.S. still have single-pane windows, and ~70% of the existing building stock is estimated to suffer from und…
Facades must be responsive to a myriad of qualities and influences ranging from urban impact and aesthetic character to numerous performance requirem…
To paraphrase Robert le Ricolias, the art of the structure is where to put the folds. Using that inspiration, fundamental concepts from origami, topo…
Mid-century through 1980’s buildings with lock-strip or “zipper-gasket” glazing systems are an ever present part of the urban landscape in many citie…
The performative and visual aspects of curved forming/bending thin “formable” planar materials is explored. Early tests for deflection indicate that …
Large master planned developments such as Battery Park City in Manhattan, Mission Bay in San Francisco, and Playa Vista in Los Angeles were built ove…
Driven by an increasing demand for high thermal and acoustic performance, transparency, and low maintenance costs, a number of facade innovations hav…