Facade Design

Precedent Research Assignment

1. Select a Facade Design Precedent:
   • Building Selection: Identify a building with a facade that exemplifies the integration of technical considerations, particularly thermal insulation, moisture management, ventilation, and material selection. For example, the Torre Reforma in Mexico City, designed by LBRCA Arquitectos, could be an excellent choice due to its innovative facade design that addresses these technical aspects in a seismic zone.
2. Comprehensive Analysis:
   • Documentation and Research: Gather detailed information about the chosen building’s facade. This includes architectural drawings, photographs, technical case studies, and scholarly articles. For instance, in the case of Torre Reforma, analyze the documentation on its glass and concrete facade, which was designed to manage the harsh sunlight and seismic activity while maintaining thermal
   efficiency.
   • Technical Aspects: Investigate how the facade’s design contributes to its overall performance. Understand the materials used, the construction techniques applied, and how these elements work together to achieve the building’s design goals.
3. Technical Dimension Evaluation:
   • Thermal Insulation: Evaluate how the facade contributes to maintaining indoor temperature, particularly how materials and design strategies reduce heat gain or loss. Discuss how Torre Reforma uses triple-pane glazing and a thick concrete core to enhance thermal insulation.
   • Moisture Management: Analyze the moisture management strategies, such as rainscreen systems or drainage layers, that prevent water infiltration. In a humid environment like Mexico City, Torre Reforma’s facade incorporates moisture- resistant materials and drainage paths to protect the structure.
   • Ventilation: Discuss both passive and active ventilation strategies used in the facade design. How does the facade allow for air circulation while preventing energy loss? Torre Reforma’s operable windows and the natural ventilation system reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.

• Material Selection: Explore the materials chosen for the facade, considering their durability, thermal properties, and aesthetic compatibility. Torre Reforma’s
combination of glass and reinforced concrete not only provides structural strength but also meets the aesthetic vision and environmental requirements.

4. Case-specific Insights:
   • Key Design Elements: Highlight specific design features that demonstrate the
   successful integration of technical and aesthetic considerations. For Torre Reforma, this might include the inclined facade that provides both structural stability in a
   seismic zone and a distinctive visual identity.
   • Construction Methods: Discuss innovative construction methods used in the facade’s development, such as prefabrication or advanced assembly techniques that ensure precision and performance.
5. Comparative Examination:
   • Comparison with Other Buildings: Select one or more buildings with less effective facade designs and compare them with your chosen precedent. Discuss how shortcomings in these buildings, such as poor insulation or inadequate moisture management, impact their performance and sustainability. For instance, compare Torre Reforma with another skyscraper in a similar climate that may have less advanced thermal or moisture control measures.
   • Impact of Shortcomings: Discuss the broader implications of these shortcomings on energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term building durability.
6. Recommendations:
   • Improvements: Based on your analysis, propose potential enhancements to the facade design. For example, suggest alternative materials that could offer better thermal performance or longer-lasting moisture resistance. In the case of Torre Reforma, you might recommend exploring new glazing technologies that further improve energy efficiency.
   • Alternative Approaches: Consider how different design approaches could better align the facade with the objectives of thermal insulation, moisture management, and ventilation.
7. Visual Documentation:

• Diagrams and Sketches: Include annotated diagrams and sketches that clarify your analysis. For instance, provide a detailed diagram of Torre Reforma’s facade, highlighting the layers involved in moisture management and thermal insulation.
• Annotated Images: Use photographs of the facade, annotated to show how specific elements contribute to the building’s overall performance. This could
include close-ups of material junctions, drainage paths, or ventilation openings.
Presentation Requirements for Precedent Research Assignment Assignment Components:

1. Cover Page:
   o Title of the Precedent Research Assignment
   o Image of the chosen building facade (full or partial view)
   o Your name and course information
   o Submission date
2. Building Selection s Introduction:
   o Page 1:
    Brief introduction to the selected building, including the name, location, architect(s), and year of completion.
    Explanation of why this building was chosen as a precedent.
    A full-page image or composite of key views of the building’s facade.
3. Comprehensive Analysis:
   o Page 2:
    Detailed overview of the facade’s design, supported by drawings or photographs.
    Annotated images to highlight key technical features (e.g., insulation, drainage, materials).
    Relevant case study excerpts or quotes from sources.
4. Technical Dimension Evaluation:
   o Page 3-4:

 Thermal Insulation: Discuss materials and design strategies that
enhance thermal performance. Include sectional diagrams illustrating insulation layers.
 Moisture Management: Detailed analysis of drainage mechanisms and how moisture is controlled. Visualize with sectional drawings or exploded axonometric views showing rainscreen systems or drainage paths.
 Ventilation Strategies: Explain how ventilation is integrated, using diagrams to show airflow through the facade.
 Material Selection: Discuss the materials used, supported by a material palette and photos showing texture, color, and application.

5. Case-specific Insights:
   o Page 5:
    Highlight successful elements of the facade’s design using annotated photographs or sketches.
    Discuss specific design challenges and how they were overcome.
    Include close-ups of critical facade components or innovative construction techniques.
6. Comparative Examination:
   o Page 6:
    Comparison with one or more buildings that have less effective facade designs.
    Include side-by-side images and a brief narrative explaining how the chosen precedent outperforms others in thermal efficiency, moisture management, or material use.
    Optional: Graphical comparison (e.g., performance metrics, energy efficiency ratings).
7. Recommendations:
   o Page 7:

 Based on your analysis, propose potential improvements or alternative approaches for the selected facade.
 Visualize your recommendations through diagrams or sketches that show possible changes to insulation, ventilation, or material use.

8. Visual Documentation:
   o Page 8-G:
    Diagrams: Include detailed, labeled diagrams that clearly illustrate the key technical aspects of the facade. This might include sectional views, exploded diagrams, or annotated isometrics.
    Sketches: Original sketches highlighting potential design improvements or illustrating key concepts.
    Annotated Images: High-quality, annotated photographs showing specific elements of the facade and their functions.
9. Bibliography s Sources:
   o Final Page:
    A full list of sources cited throughout the presentation, formatted according to your institution’s guidelines.
    Include a mixture of scholarly articles, technical reports, and reputable online sources.
   General Guidelines:
   • Use a clean, professional layout with ample white space for readability.
   • Ensure all images are high-resolution and clearly labeled.
   • Balance text with visual elements to make the presentation engaging and informative.
   • Proofread for clarity, coherence, and technical accuracy.