Preface [ to Facade Engineering - Concepts, Materials, Techniques and Principles of Construction]

Façades play a crucial role in architecture, as they represent the building’s image. They also account for approximately 60 % of a building’s energy consumption and play a crucial role in meeting energy-saving and carbon reduction targets outlined in recent global policies on Climate Change.The building envelope is the boundary between the external and internal environments, and it is responsible for important requirements, including thermal insulation, thermal inertia, lighting, weatherproofing, load distribution, and sound insulation. In the last twenty years, façades have become increasingly complex to meet both structural and energy efficiency regulations.“Dynamic”, “smart”, “intelligent,” “climate-active”, and “adaptive” façades using self-regulating systems to respond to changing light and weather conditions have become more and more diffuse. Multiple objectives are required for these building systems that concern the development of innovative design concepts and new technologies.Therefore, façade systems can play a significant role in developing high-performance buildings at scale. Key criteria for selecting an appropriate façade system include structural performance, constructability, cost, and environmental impact.This book presents a selection of research contributions from international scholars and façade experts regarding new strategies, technologies and materials of façade design, and it is divided into two sections: Section 1, Materials and Techniques, which offers an overview of the main solutions and façades applications, by considering glass and opaque materials and their main characteristics. Section 2, New Technologies, Design Planning and Tools for Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency, focuses on innovative solutions and design procedures to improve global quality, safety, and energy efficiency.These aspects are investigated through the application of innovative procedures to fulfil new requirements, the use of smart materials, and the development of innovative design concepts.The selected book chapters are the result of recent research efforts by several authors, as well as the support and input from a team of experts on the topic.