A BRAVE NEW FACE

Façades are evolving in terms of materials, design, execution and installation. Here's how

- JAYASHREE KINI MENDES

Façade of a building has remained undoubtedly the most important from the perspective of both the designers as well as the developers, as it sets the first impression of the building. Façade design is responsive to the geographical location, building use, social aspects, safety and sustainability concerns, availability and cost of technology. A good façade design and engineering combine attributes of aesthetics and performance, unlike any other building system.

Over the years, an overall façade has evolved much in terms of materials, design, and technology. Today we need a lot more than just the traditional stone, glass and aluminum composite panels for the building façades. It is important to look at new products keeping Indian climate, dust, humidity and low maintenance in mind. There is an advent of products available such as high-pressure laminates, acrylic, zinc, copper and steel. However, these materials are still in the experimental stage and not recommended by many architects in our climatic conditions.

A modern façade must, by definition, cover all sections of the enclosure system (vertical, horizontal, and inclined). Even the windows, roof membranes, canopies ventilation louvres, railings & balustrades, and street awnings should be considered as part of the façade.