Principles, Materials and Technologies of Façades from edX

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's inside

Learning objectives

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

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

Syllabus

Module 1 – The 5 W’s of façades: Introduction to façade design and engineering

In this module, the key aspects (who, why, what, where, when and how) of façade design and engineering will be explained. In addition, learners will be taken on a journey to review the history of façade technology development. This will be accomplished through a short overview lecture of different historical façade typologies and multiple supporting case studies.

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Explores the historical development of façade technologies, providing a strong foundation for understanding modern façade design and construction, which is essential for architects and engineers

Reviews various façade typologies, their applications, and technologies, offering practical knowledge for construction engineers involved in building projects, especially those focused on sustainable building practices

Delivered through lectures and supported by a comprehensive reader, which serves as a lasting resource for learning and future reference, making it a valuable asset for students and professionals alike

Examines different technical approaches used to realize façade typologies, focusing on how each system type solves various design requirements, which is highly relevant for engineers

Presented by Delft University of Technology, which is known for its architecture and engineering programs, and for its research into sustainable building practices and innovative façade design

Requires learners to critically analyze façade typologies, which may necessitate a foundational understanding of architectural principles and design considerations, potentially posing a challenge for those lacking prior exposure

Reviews summary

Comprehensive façade principles, materials, and technologies

According to learners, this course provides a very strong foundation in façade design and engineering. Many highlight the well-structured modules, covering historical context, diverse typologies, technologies, and materials. The accompanying comprehensive reader is frequently cited as an invaluable resource for both learning and future reference. Students appreciate the inclusion of case studies which help illustrate real-world applications. While some found the course required dedicated study time and assumed a certain level of prior knowledge, the overall consensus is that it offers a thorough and insightful overview crucial for anyone serious about façade work, making it a highly recommended starting point in the field.

Strong theory, some desire for more practical depth.

"Provides a very strong theoretical basis, although I wish there was a bit more focus on practical construction detailing."

"Covers technologies well from a principles standpoint, but perhaps less on nuts-and-bolts site application."

"It's definitely geared towards understanding *why* systems work, less on *how* to build them step-by-step, which suited my needs."

The course is thorough but demanding.

"It's a dense course with a lot of information. Be prepared to commit significant time to reading and understanding."

"This isn't a light introductory course. It requires focus and review, especially if you're new to some concepts."

"Requires dedication to go through all the materials, but it's worth it for the depth provided."

Real-world examples aid understanding.

"The case studies were fantastic. They really helped connect the theoretical concepts to actual buildings and designs."

"Seeing examples of historical and modern façades discussed in the course made the material much more tangible."

"Case studies provided crucial context, showing how different systems and materials are applied in practice."

Content is logically organized and flows well.

"The way the course is structured, moving from principles to typologies, technologies, and materials, makes complex topics easy to follow."

"Modules build nicely upon each other. The flow between lectures and topics felt very logical."

"I found the organization of the course to be very effective in absorbing the large amount of information."

Provides a robust understanding of façades.

"This course gave me a really solid foundation in façade principles. Exactly what I needed to start specializing."

"I feel much more confident identifying different systems and materials now. The theoretical background was very helpful."

"It's an excellent entry point into the complex world of façades, covering all the critical basics comprehensively."

The provided reader is a key takeaway.

"The comprehensive reader is an absolute treasure trove of information... I find myself returning to it constantly."

"I appreciate the comprehensive reader, it's packed with details and serves as a great reference long after finishing the course."

"The reader alone is worth the course price. It complements the lectures perfectly and is very detailed."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Principles, Materials and Technologies of Façades with these activities:

Review Building Science Fundamentals

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Reviewing building science fundamentals will provide a solid foundation for understanding façade performance and design principles.

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Review key concepts related to heat transfer, moisture control, and material properties.
Complete practice problems related to thermal resistance and building envelope calculations.

Review 'Façades: Principles of Design and Construction'

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Reading 'Façades: Principles of Design and Construction' will provide a deeper understanding of façade design and engineering principles.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read chapters related to façade typologies, materials, and technologies.
Take notes on key concepts and design considerations.

Review 'Building Construction Illustrated'

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Referencing 'Building Construction Illustrated' will help visualize and understand the construction technologies discussed in the course.

View Design Drawing on Amazon

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Read relevant chapters on wall systems, cladding, and glazing.
Study the illustrations and diagrams to understand construction details.

Four other activities

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Explore Online Façade Design Tutorials

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Following online tutorials will provide practical insights into façade design software and techniques.

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Search for online tutorials on façade design software such as Revit or Rhino.
Follow the tutorials to learn how to model and analyze different façade systems.

Document a Local Façade

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Creating a case study of a local façade will help apply the course concepts to real-world examples and improve analytical skills.

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Select a building with an interesting façade in your local area.
Take detailed photographs of the façade from different angles.
Research the building's history, design, and construction.
Write a report analyzing the façade's typology, materials, and technologies.

Façade Material Comparison Matrix

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Developing a material comparison matrix will reinforce understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of different façade materials.

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Create a spreadsheet with different façade materials as rows and key properties as columns.
Research and fill in the matrix with data on material properties such as thermal performance, durability, and cost.
Write a summary comparing the materials and their suitability for different applications.

Create a Façade Detail Drawing

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Creating a detailed drawing of a façade connection will solidify understanding of construction technologies and detailing principles.

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Select a specific façade connection detail to draw.
Research the relevant codes and standards for the detail.
Create a detailed drawing of the connection using CAD software.
Label all components and materials in the drawing.

Career center

Learners who complete Principles, Materials and Technologies of Façades will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Building Envelope Consultant

A Building Envelope Consultant specializes in the design and performance of a building's exterior, including its façade. This course directly supports the career of a Building Envelope Consultant because it offers a deep dive into façade typologies, materials, and construction technologies. The course also helps the consultant to assess the effectiveness of different façade systems to meet design goals. A Building Envelope Consultant will appreciate the historical and modern case studies in this course, using them to find solutions for performance and sustainability, and the understanding of materials this course provides.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Envelope Consultant

Facade Designer

A Façade Designer conceptualizes and plans the exterior of buildings, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and performance. This course is ideal for aspiring Façade Designers as it covers the historical development of façade technologies, various façade typologies, and material options. It helps build a foundation in understanding how different façade systems and materials align with design goals, which is essential for a Façade Designer. The course's in-depth look at construction technologies, case studies, and historical examples will further enrich this understanding. Studying the course is particularly useful for understanding the technical and design considerations behind choosing the right façade materials.

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Materials Specialist

A Materials Specialist focuses on the properties and applications of different materials used in construction. This course is directly relevant to a Materials Specialist interested in façade construction, as it provides in-depth coverage of diverse materials like metals, glass, ceramics, concrete, timber, and composites, all used in building façades. The course also delves into the advantages and disadvantages of each material and production techniques, which aligns with the Materials Specialist's focus on material selection and performance. A Materials Specialist will benefit from this course which details which systems and materials are best suited to specific applications.

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Architect

An Architect designs buildings, including their façades, focusing on both aesthetics and functionality. This course on façade principles, materials, and technologies is very helpful to an Architect. The course covers façade system types, construction technologies, and materials, all of which are crucial to the design and construction of a building's exterior. An Architect will benefit from the course's thorough exploration of façade design elements, which helps ensure that façade designs are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. This course covers historical perspectives and modern design practices.

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Architectural Engineer

An Architectural Engineer applies engineering principles to the design and construction of buildings, including their façades. This course is highly beneficial for an Architectural Engineer because it offers a comprehensive review of the technical aspects of façade design. The curriculum's focus on construction technologies, material science, and case studies of various façade systems will help an Architectural Engineer make informed decisions about the structural integrity and performance of building exteriors. The course's discussion of façade system types and material implications helps the Architectural Engineer to integrate design intent with practical application.

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Construction Manager

A Construction Manager oversees building projects from start to finish, including the installation of façades. This course is useful for a Construction Manager because it provides a structured overview of façade technologies, materials and construction requirements, helping them understand the complexities of façade implementation. This includes the course's coverage of different façade typologies, helping understand the reasoning behind modern façade designs. The course's case studies and reviews of construction technologies are also highly relevant to the construction management process, helping to identify best practices and construction challenges.

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Product Developer

A Product Developer in the building materials industry creates and improves products for building construction. This course may be useful for a Product Developer, as it provides insights into the various materials used for façade construction, including their advantages, disadvantages, and typical applications. This course's systematic overview of material options, production techniques and their applications in historical and modern façade constructions can inspire the creation of new products. The course can help a Product Developer to innovate façade materials, construction methods, and design choices.

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Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant advises on how to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability in building projects, which includes the façade. The course may be useful for a Sustainability Consultant, because it acknowledges that façades play a key role in sustainable building practices. The course introduces how façades contribute to reducing operational costs, due to their longevity. Additionally, the focus on materials in façades may help consultants make better choices to achieve sustainability goals. The course's focus on case studies may also help to identify historical and modern best practices.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of building projects, including the façade elements. This course may be useful for a Project Manager, because they would benefit from the knowledge of various façade aspects. The course reviews construction technologies and the requirements for successful implementation, and these considerations would prove useful to a Project Manager. A Project Manager who has taken this course will have a better understanding of the complexities of façade design and construction. A Project Manager with this background knowledge will also be able to better anticipate challenges and issues that may come up during façade installation.

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Building Inspector

A Building Inspector examines buildings to ensure they are compliant with safety codes and regulations, and this would extend to include façades. This course may be useful for a Building Inspector, who will need to identify different façade systems and understand their construction. The course’s systematic review of technologies could help provide a basis for inspection and code compliance. A Building Inspector will find the course's information on materials helpful to assessing the quality of façade construction and compliance with codes.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist in the field of building science investigates building materials and technologies, and a course like this may help. This course which addresses various façade system types and materials may be helpful to a Research Scientist. The course focuses on the technical aspects of façade design, including the materials, construction technologies, and performance characteristics. The material modules will be especially helpful. Because this course includes case studies of historical and modern façades, the Research Scientist will have a broader lens with which to explore and conduct research.

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Estimator

An Estimator assesses the cost of materials and labor for construction projects, including building façades. This course may be useful for an Estimator working in the construction industry, because the course introduces the various materials available for façade construction. The course's coverage of material options and construction technologies gives the Estimator a better understanding of the factors that influence the cost of façade projects. An Estimator will better be able to provide accurate budget projections by understanding the choices that influence the final pricing.

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CAD Technician

A CAD Technician creates technical drawings for building projects and often works with façade details. This course may be useful for a CAD Technician as it would give them detailed knowledge of façade typologies, materials, and construction methods. The course's exploration of different façade systems, and materials may enable the CAD Technician to create accurate and detailed drawings. This course helps the CAD Technician integrate their technical skills with a deeper understanding of façade design, which helps communicate design concepts to various stakeholders.

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Urban Planner

An Urban Planner focuses on the development and design of urban areas, and building façades play a role in that. The course may be useful for an Urban Planner as it provides knowledge of the historical development of façade technologies. The course reviews a variety of façade typologies, which would help the urban planner to appreciate how different designs contribute to the urban landscape. In particular, the course’s case studies of historical and modern designs around the world would inform planning decisions, helping integrate building design with the overall urban fabric.

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Real Estate Developer

A Real Estate Developer is involved in the planning and development of buildings, and the façade plays an important part in that. This course may be useful for a Real Estate Developer, who will appreciate how façade design can impact building longevity and reduce operational costs. This course helps a Real Estate Developer understand the link between façade design and financial implications. Also, this course's technical knowledge will be beneficial during the planning phase. The course presents opportunities for developers to integrate more sustainable and cost-effective strategies into their projects.

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Principles, Materials and Technologies of Façades

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive façade principles, materials, and technologies

Activities

Career center

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