Building An Image

Aside from aesthetics, the choice of facade systems significantly improves a structure’s environmental performance

As important as appearances are, so is functionality of every element that goes into constructing an edifice. It is imperative that each addition, including the choice of facade, ideally balances aesthetic appeal and function.

Facades no longer just shield the interiors from harsh weather conditions; they act as a status symbol too. Like most aspects of architecture, they fuse art with science, providing inspiring concepts such as interactive/ moving, media, double skin and living wall facades. Such innovations bring lay people and professionals together, in appreciation of architectural skins.

The brilliance in these trends comes not merely from the visual appeal but also from clever use of technology to regulate daylight and ventilation as well as to provide privacy. Significant improvements can be noted in the understanding of building envelope – with increasing forums and exhibitions, architects and professionals are putting in considerable thought in determining an architectural skin of a building.

FunderMax’s marketing head, Niraj Borikar, explains, “Facade design is a continuous process of evolution, so much so that trends are emerging in cladding design and materials as well as systems. The requirement of adherence to the strictest energy and quality parameters and norms have given rise to more robust, energy efficient, innovative and adaptable systems such as dynamic louvers, energy efficient and facades such as rear ventilated, double skin, kinetic, etc. This is also encouraging the creation of complex facades ranging from geometric shapes and aerodynamic compositions to perforated designs that turn architecture into the nerve centre of the environment.”