Course description
Façade Design and Engineering: Complexity made Simple
The building façade forms the interface between outside conditions and the habitable indoor climate, where we spend most of our time. So its design and construction seriously affect the performance of our buildings in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency, aesthetics and comfort.
Façade technology has advanced rapidly in the last decades and has become a key component of the modern building process. Understanding the complexity of façade construction is crucial for architects, engineers and building professionals in order to keep control over the design and engineering processes, to keep within budgeted construction costs and to support the creation of modern looking, energy efficient, sustainable and comfortable buildings.This course will provide a first insight into façades and the technology involved in their construction, from a grounded and practical perspective. It focuses on key aspects to address the complexity of façade design and engineering: its general principles, construction systems, details and tolerances, materials, geometrical complexity, sustainability and construction site processes. Consequently, learners will gain general knowledge of façade engineering, backed with technical information, which will give them the tools to explain façadedesign decisions and their potential impact on the overall performance of the building.
Who should attend?
Prerequisites
Background in Architecture, Civil Engineering or similar preferred but not required to enroll in the course.
Training content
Week 1 - Principles of Façades
Identify the idea of a building envelope. Discuss the basic principles behind its different functions, its construction elements and the design strategies required for successful performance. The module will place particular emphasis on the relation between façades and energy, sustainability and circularity.
Week 2 – Façade Systems
Explore different façade systems, such as monolithic walls, curtain-walls (stick and unitized systems), and double-skins. Understand their main construction principles and components, and analyze their suitability in different contexts considering advantages and disadvantages.
Week 3 – Façade Materials
Identify the main materials involved in façade construction from the perspective of production processes and their application as façade components. Assess the potential impact on the different functions and general performance of the envelope.
Week 4 – Details and Tolerances
Explain strategies for façade detailing, identifying the main structural requirements and addressing movement and tolerances in different façade systems. Experience how general engineering and structural testing of components and systems is developed on working sites
Week 5 – Complex Façades
Explore iconic buildings to find out how their design motivations inspired the way they were engineered and built. Understand the arguments and reasons for different engineering strategies and systems during design and construction stages.
Course delivery details
This course is offered through Delft University of Technology, a partner institute of EdX.
3-4 hours per week
Costs
- Verified Track -$139
- Audit Track - Free
Certification / Credits
What you'll learn
- Explore the main principles involved in façade design in the context of sustainability.
- Categorize different façade technologies and materials, their potential and shortcomings.
- Incorporate façades’ lines of defense (air, wind, water) systematically into individual designs.
- Recognize structural demands on façades and tolerances, and integrate them into façade development.
Contact this provider
edX
edX For Business helps leading companies upskill their labor forces by making the world’s greatest educational resources available to learners across a wide variety of in-demand fields. edX For Business delivers high-quality corporate eLearning to train and engage your employees...