A Computational Design Strategy for Integrated Façades

Abstract

Over the last decades, computational methods have provided significant potential for integrated façade systems with energy efficiency, the generation of numerous alternatives, the optimisation of complex requirements, and the inspiration of creativity in architecture. In this sense, the study addresses two primary issues. First, conventional methods are inadequate in a holistic perspective of the multiple objectives of façade systems. Second, poorly designed or transformed media façades are a common problem in many developing countries. This study developed a design strategy for an Integrated Façade System (IFS) that consists of (i) simulation, (ii) analysis, and (iii) optimisation stages in a feedback loop. This design strategy was implemented to integrate the façade in terms of multiple data based on functions. The methodology is organised into two main sections based on the urban scale fieldwork and test of the suggested strategy through the case study. The fieldwork has been done to determine the case study building in Istanbul. Two additional façade functions, media display, and solar shading are chosen here to investigate the constraints, correlations, and consistency of multifunctional integration in a façade system. The finding showed that the developed IFS can contribute to the use of factual data as a design input. Another result showed that this IFS decreased solar radiation by 51% during the summer period. This algorithmic system has flexibility and affordance that refers to enhancing building performance within different contexts. Cite this article as: Gürcan CG, Heyik MA, Taştan H, Zoroğlu F. A computational design strategy for integrated façades. Megaron 2023;18(1):72-87.