Understanding The Skin Of A Building

Rohit Suraj, founder of Hyderabadbased firm Urban Zen, shares his insights regarding the core challenges in facade installation and how climatic conditions effect the design; he further throws light on the concept of green facades

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When we look at different kinds of buildings, we may have very different reactions to them. Some are tall and imposing, with massive arched doorways and towering spires. Others are welcoming, perhaps with a large porch or wide windows. How these building entrances look is no accident. Someone designed them with a lot of attention, especially the facade, as it forms the first impression. When an architect designs a facade, they consider many elements. What will the entrance look like? What type of building material can be be used – stone, wood frame, brick, glass, etc? They also have to consider fenestration or the placement and proportions of windows.

Throughout history, architectural styles have changed, and they continue to change today. Rohit Suraj, founder of Hyderabad-based firm Urban Zen, has no formal training in the field, but has been successful in the curation of many office projects and has won recognition for them. He shares his insights regarding the core challenges in facade installation and how the climatic condition effects the selection of facades; he further throws light on the concept of green facades.

What are the core challenges in facade installation in high rise buildings?

Facades are a reflection of a building inside out and outside in. The need to integrate this approach in design is more pertinent now than ever before, given the evolving role of skin or envelope surrounding the built mass – be it protection from external elements, maintenance of ambient internal temperature and ventilation and natural light while at the same time ensuring visibility from inside. In high rise buildings particularly, maintenance and wind loads are key issues to stability and long term viability.