UTSOA

Buildings today are made up of several subsystems: the load-bearing structure, the mechanical system, the interior spatial framework, and the building envelope. The building skin is a governing system within these subsystems and has to fulfill a wide range of essential functions. Its primary task is to regulate the external climate conditions in order to provide comfortable internal conditions for the occupants. Wall and roof surfaces should respond to local climatic situations and if necessary modify their effects on the interior. The physical needs of the user are the determining factors for the design of the envelope, and most comfort-related parameters can be directly controlled and manipulated through appropriate conception and design of the building skin.

In this course, students will explore the functional, assembly, and detailing criteria that are considered when developing concepts for the building envelope. The semester will begin with a series of exercises to gain a better understanding of the subject matter, and will include analysis of case studies (past and present), typologies, systems, and materials. A semester project will synthesize the newly acquired knowledge, and students will translate their findings into design solutions for building skins as components of sustainable, low-energy concepts. The seminar format of this course will require a high degree of participation, and students will be asked to present, analyze, and discuss frequently.

Not only will the concepts and strategies presented in this course introduce students to the vocabulary they require to effectively communicate with engineers and facade planners, but more importantly, a deeper understanding of the topic will assist them in finding appropriate design solutions for building envelopes that adequately respond to varying climatic conditions and regional contexts.