Architectural Hardware for Façades, Doors & Windows

Trends and Challenges

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Architectural hardware has become an important aspect of design - be it façades, doors, or windows. With the entry of international systems, equipment and hardware firms, the Indian architectural hardware for façade and fenestration has also evolved over the years. Technology and its use have increased many folds giving precision to products with quality and sustenance. Along with the use of technology, design has also evolved over these years. Gone are the days of tinted glasses and bulky hardware to hold them. The trend for buildings is towards more transparency over the past few decades.

The first part of this edition's cover story is on the latest trends in hardware, important aspects to consider while choosing hardware, standardization of window and door hardware systems, key safety parameters to look for while specifying hardware, and quality vs. cost of hardware. We spoke to many architects and façade consultants regarding these topics. Here are their views and suggestions:

Trends in the Façade, Door and Window Hardware Products

It is not an overstatement to say a building's façade is its most important element, for both architects and users themselves. Understanding the trends in façade design helps us see the direction of the future façades and advanced and sophisticated technologies in façades, states Manish Kumar, Director, TDS Coetus Pvt. Ltd. In the door and window segments, the introduction of a bigger sash to achieve wider view and access is the trend. "For continued updates, I usually attend seminars and webinars like ZAK world of the façade and follow magazines on façade and newsletters", adds Manish.