Overview
Learn the fundamentals of façade engineering, including theory, construction technologies, materials and the principal systems.
Façades are the most visible part of a building, yet they do not receive the attention they deserve in education – and they should! Façades play an important role in creating a healthy indoor environment, contribute to sustainable building practices, and are key in reducing operational costs due to their potential longevity. Above all, they can give a building the beautiful look that sets it apart from any others in the surroundings. International experts from TU Delft, TU Darmstadt and Eurac Research have teamed up to create a series of courses on façade engineering to close this knowledge gap.
This course will guide you through your first steps as a façade specialist. To achieve this, we will explore both the theoretical aspects and the construction technologies involved in façades. This course will take you through the historical development of façade technologies and system types, providing you with an analytical understanding of the reasons behind modern façade designs. You will familiarize yourself with various façade typologies, their applications and technologies, the range of material options available and their implications for the design. This will include a wide variety of façade typologies, including traditional, contemporary and innovative designs. The technical strategies employed to realize different façade systems will be meticulously reviewed, providing you with an analytical understanding of façade construction requirements, challenges, and best practices.
The course is delivered through lectures, supported by a comprehensive reader that serves as a lasting resource for both the learning and for future reference. Additionally, the course features several case studies, highlighting real-world applications and historical best practices. You will also review an array of historical and modern façade constructions from around the world, providing insights into different architectural styles and cultural influences. You will also be guided to external resources for further exploration.
By the end of the course, you will be able to accurately identify different façade systems and use your technical knowledge to determine which systems and materials are best suited to specific applications.
What You'll Learn
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:
- Appreciate the historical development of façade typologies and technologies
- Reliably identify different façade typologies
- Recognize the different construction technologies and how they solve the façade design requirements
- Name the various advantages and challenges that different materials have for façade application
- Critically assess which façade system and material would be most effective in achieving the intended design goals of a façade
Details
Course Syllabus
Module 1 – An Introduction to Façades Throughout History
In this module, learners will be taken on a journey reviewing façade technology development through history. This will be accomplished through a short overview lecture of different historical façade typologies and multiple supporting case studies.
Module 2 – Façade Typologies
This module will introduce learners to multiple façade types through a series of lectures covering the different typologies through a series of diagrams and example projects. Learners will become aware of the advantages and challenges of each category and will critically analyze the façade types themselves. The following façade types will be discussed:
- Load bearing vs. non-loading bearing façades
- Solid wall (cold vs warm) façades
- Frame and skeleton façades (load bearing and non-load bearing alternatives)
- Panel façades (prefabricated load bearing and non-load bearing unitized systems)
- Ventilated cavity and double skin façades
- Complex geometry and cable net façade systems
Module 3 – Façade Technologies
This module will discuss the different technical approaches used to realize the façade typologies discussed in Module 2. A series of lectures will review each construction technology through diagrams and examples, focusing on how each system type solves various design requirements (e.g. watertightness, tolerances and movements, and attachment strategies). The following façade technologies will be discussed:
- Stick systems
- Unitized systems
- Windows and Doors
- Integrated Component Façades (HVAC, shading, ventilation, building services, PV panels, and automated façades)
Module 4 – Façade Materials
The final module will review the different materials used for façade construction and their implications. Learners will be introduced to the various production techniques for those materials, and their advantages and disadvantages. The following façade materials will be discussed:
- Metals (aluminum and steel)
- Ceramics (natural stone and brick)
- Concrete
- Timber
- Polymers and composites
- The three lines of defense: water barrier, insulation, and vapor barrier
- Glass
Admission
This is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that runs on edX.
Prerequisites
Before beginning this course, the learner should have a background in architecture, building or structural engineering.
