Behind the Surface

The architectural facade, like clothing for a building's form, serves as both an aesthetic expression and a protective veil, concealing the inner mechanisms. Analogous to the meticulous craftsmanship defining clothing quality, the facade's integrity rests upon material choices and precision in assembly.

In architectural education, the proliferation of parametric tools and the allure of visual images often lead students to conceive visually striking facades that lack a depth of constructed knowledge. This is accentuated by students' limited familiarity with construction intricacies. Bridging this knowledge gap through the collaboration of students and experienced building industry professionals is pivotal in nurturing the next generation of architectural leaders.

This paper explains an approach wherein students gain invaluable technical insight by engaging in ongoing interaction with a seasoned facade consultant. Our professional degree program unfolds over a year-long timeline, dedicated to the conception and evolution of a single building project. This extended duration facilitates comprehensive exploration of structural systems and tectonic integration. A consultant from Heintges Building Envelope Consultants actively guides the studio through multi-day sessions at diverse project stages, thereby integrating façade development early and thoroughly into the process.

The consultancy framework unfolds across three distinct phases. During schematic design, the consultant acquaints students with the multifaceted contributions of facade experts. Basic material considerations are deliberated upon, along with their implications on form and sustainability. As the design advances, the facade consultant returns, accompanied by a structural engineer. This juncture permits students to expand their initial facade visions to encompass the intricacies of building and facade structural dynamics. In the culminating stages, when students are engrossed in crafting intricate large-scale facade sections, the consultant's input is paired with the involvement of a mechanical engineer, fostering an augmented awareness of energy efficiency and holistic sustainability.

By fostering an educational paradigm that leverages industry expertise, students develop a profound appreciation for the myriad perspectives that contribute to a building's success. They emerge not merely as graduates, but as adept professionals who collaborate harmoniously with the diverse talents present in real-world construction scenarios.