Façade design and engineering: complexity made simple from edX

The building façade forms the interface between outside conditions and the habitable indoor climate, where we spend most of our time. So its design and construction seriously affect the performance of our buildings in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency, aesthetics and comfort.

Façade technology has advanced rapidly in the last decades and has become a key component of the modern building process. Understanding the complexity of façade construction is crucial for architects, engineers and building professionals in order to keep control over the design and engineering processes, to keep within budgeted construction costs and to support the creation of modern looking, energy efficient, sustainable and comfortable buildings.This course will provide a first insight into façades and the technology involved in their construction, from a grounded and practical perspective. It focuses on key aspects to address the complexity of façade design and engineering: its general principles, construction systems, details and tolerances, materials, geometrical complexity, sustainability and construction site processes. Consequently, learners will gain general knowledge of façade engineering, backed with technical information, which will give them the tools to explain façadedesign decisions and their potential impact on the overall performance of the building.

TU Delft holds a leading position in the façade field, marked by 15 years of education, research and applied projects delivered in close collaboration with the built industry. Therefore, learners will benefit from an exposure to a wide array of façade experts from academia and practice. Led by U. Knaack and M. Bilow, architects and experienced educators in the field of façades, the course takes a practical approach, providing insights and providing a comprehensive picture of the complexity behind building façades. The course includes visits to building sites, architecture firms, local experts and manufacturing companies, to reveal the fundamentals of façade design with technical information directly from the source.

This course has been designed by the founding members of TU Delft’s Architectural Façades & Products Research Group, in association with the European Façade Network, which comprises 10 European institutions with façade education programmes.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explore the main principles involved in façade design in the context of sustainability.
Categorize different façade technologies and materials, their potential and shortcomings.

Incorporate façades’ lines of defense (air, wind, water) systematically into individual designs.
Recognize structural demands on façades and tolerances, and integrate them into façade development.

Explore the main principles involved in façade design in the context of sustainability.
Categorize different façade technologies and materials, their potential and shortcomings.
Incorporate façades’ lines of defense (air, wind, water) systematically into individual designs.
Recognize structural demands on façades and tolerances, and integrate them into façade development.

Syllabus

Week 1 - Principles of Façades

Identify the idea of a building envelope. Discuss the basic principles behind its different functions, its construction elements and the design strategies required for successful performance. The module will place particular emphasis on the relation between façades and energy, sustainability and circularity.

Week 2 – Façade Systems

Explore different façade systems, such as monolithic walls, curtain-walls (stick and unitized systems), and double-skins. Understand their main construction principles and components, and analyze their suitability in different contexts considering advantages and disadvantages.

Week 3 – Façade Materials

Identify the main materials involved in façade construction from the perspective of production processes and their application as façade components. Assess the potential impact on the different functions and general performance of the envelope.

Week 4 – Details and Tolerances

Explain strategies for façade detailing, identifying the main structural requirements and addressing movement and tolerances in different façade systems. Experience how general engineering and structural testing of components and systems is developed on working sites

Week 5 – Complex Façades

Explore iconic buildings to find out how their design motivations inspired the way they were engineered and built. Understand the arguments and reasons for different engineering strategies and systems during design and construction stages.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a hands-on approach, taking learners to building sites and manufacturing companies to offer real-world insights

Led by architects and experienced educators with a proven track record in the façade engineering field

Serves as an introduction to façade design and engineering, providing a comprehensive overview for students new to the field

Examines the principles of façade design in the context of sustainability, addressing the growing importance of energy efficiency in modern buildings

Suitable for architects, engineers, and building professionals seeking to gain knowledge in façade engineering and its impact on the overall performance of buildings

Addresses the complexity of façade construction, helping learners understand the challenges and solutions involved in designing and engineering modern building envelopes

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 Façade design and engineering: complexity made simple with these activities:

Review building science concepts

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Strengthen your foundation in building science to enhance your understanding of façade design principles.

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Review your lecture notes.
Complete practice problems.
Attend review sessions.

Find a mentor in façade engineering

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Seek guidance and support from an experienced professional in the field to enhance your learning and career development.

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Identify potential mentors through your network or professional organizations.
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in their guidance.
Establish regular meetings or communication channels.

Form a study group with other façade engineering students

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Collaborate with peers to discuss course material, share insights, and enhance your understanding of façade design principles.

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Identify other students in your course who are interested in forming a study group.
Establish a regular meeting schedule and location.
Set goals for each study session and assign responsibilities.

Four other activities

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Design a façade for a sustainable building

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Create a practical application of your knowledge to deepen your understanding of façade design and its role in sustainability.

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Identify the building's location and climate.
Research different façade systems and materials.
Develop a design concept that incorporates sustainability principles.
Create detailed drawings and specifications.
Present your design to a group of experts.

Explore façade case studies

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Study real-world examples of façade design to gain practical insights and inspire your own projects.

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Identify iconic buildings with innovative façades.
Analyze the design strategies and materials used.
Discuss the performance and sustainability of the façades.

Solve façade engineering problems

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Test your understanding of façade design principles by working through practice problems.

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Find practice problems in textbooks or online resources.
Solve the problems using the principles you have learned.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Create a façade design portfolio

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Organize and review your notes, assignments, and research to solidify your understanding of façade design principles.

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Gather your coursework materials.
Select your best work.
Organize your portfolio into sections.

Career center

Learners who complete Façade design and engineering: complexity made simple will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Facade Engineer

Facade Engineers design and engineer the exterior walls of buildings. They need to have a strong understanding of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as an understanding of the environment and how it can affect their work. This course is an excellent way to become a Facade Engineer, as it will provide you with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. You will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into your designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facade Engineer

Architect

Architects design and construct new buildings, as well as renovate and restore old ones. They need to have a strong understanding of engineering principles, as well as an eye for aesthetics and function. This course can help someone become an Architect by providing them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Structural Engineer

Structural Engineers design and analyze the structural integrity of buildings and other structures. They need to have a strong understanding of structural engineering principles and materials, as well as an understanding of the environment and how it can affect their work. This course can help someone become a Structural Engineer by providing them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations to develop and implement sustainability strategies. They need to have a strong understanding of sustainability principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the industry in which they are working. This course can help someone become a Sustainability Consultant by providing them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Energy Engineer

Energy Engineers design and implement energy-efficient solutions for buildings and other infrastructure projects. They need to have a strong understanding of energy principles and technologies, as well as an understanding of how buildings and other structures use energy. This course can help someone become an Energy Engineer by providing them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and construct infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They need to have a strong understanding of engineering principles and construction methods, as well as an understanding of the environment and how it can affect their work. This course can help someone become a Civil Engineer by providing them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other infrastructure projects. They need to have a strong understanding of construction methods and materials, as well as an ability to manage teams of workers. This course can help someone become a Construction Manager by providing them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as water pollution, air pollution, and climate change. They need to have a strong understanding of environmental principles and technologies, as well as an understanding of how human activities can affect the environment. This course can help someone become an Environmental Engineer by providing them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Researcher

Researchers conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in a particular field. They need to have a strong understanding of research methods and principles, as well as an understanding of the field in which they are working. This course can help someone become a Researcher by providing them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs. They will also learn how to conduct research and present their findings.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects, such as construction projects, product launches, and marketing campaigns. They need to have a strong understanding of project management principles and tools, as well as an understanding of the industry in which they are working. This course may be useful for someone who wants to become a Project Manager, as it will provide them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Wind Engineer

Wind Engineers design and build structures to withstand the effects of wind. They need to have a strong understanding of wind engineering principles and materials, as well as an understanding of the environment and how it can affect their work. This course may be useful for someone who wants to become a Wind Engineer, as it will provide them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical devices. They need to have a strong understanding of mechanical principles and materials, as well as an understanding of how machines work. This course may be useful for someone who wants to become a Mechanical Engineer, as it will provide them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and construct outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and playgrounds. They need to have a strong understanding of landscape design principles and plant materials, as well as an understanding of the environment and how it can affect their work. This course may be useful for someone who wants to become a Landscape Architect, as it will provide them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

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Urban Designer

Urban Designers plan and design urban areas, such as cities, towns, and villages. They need to have a strong understanding of urban design principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the environment and how it can affect their work. This course may be useful for someone who wants to become an Urban Designer, as it will provide them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

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Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineers design and implement solutions to geotechnical problems, such as soil erosion, landslides, and earthquakes. They need to have a strong understanding of soil mechanics and geology, as well as an understanding of how human activities can affect the environment. This course may be useful for someone who wants to become a Geotechnical Engineer, as it will provide them with a strong foundation in façade design and engineering. They will learn about the different types of façade systems, materials, and construction methods, as well as how to incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geotechnical Engineer