Table of contents

We selected new projects with facades that interestingly embody the building as a whole, as well as “classics” that still set standards because of their architectural quality as well as a range of details that may be of practical value for architects and engineers working on older buildings. Projects are shown here not as whole buildings, rather our descriptions focus on their facades, which is why contributors other than architects, such as specialist engineers, are rarely mentioned in project descriptions, unless they played a major role in creating the facade.

Readers will also notice that in describing construction details we have at times diverged from solutions or technical rules customary in Germany, as is justifiable in a book full of international examples. Those who would like more details on a project described are referred to the more detailed bibliographical references, which are indicated with a “º”.

It may be regarded as valuable to depict a building as a large technical object, not as a complicated system, possibly unmanageable and consisting of many kinds of components, but succinctly, simply, equally powerfully and sensitively designed. Developments in recent decades and enormously increased demands on building envelopes however, have led to the emergence of multilayer structures, each layer of which has specific functions. This is now a frequent feature of modern structures made of almost all materials, so structures made of specific materials and special facade construction topics are dealt with in separate chapters.

A centuries-old principle of modifying and individually influencing the permeability of facade openings, whether for reasons of the building’s energy balance, interior climate, lighting conditions or safety, is dealt with under the chapter heading of “Manipulators”, which takes on a new topicality and covers a wide range of different types. We also take the view that the prevalence of multilayer and double facades in recent decades requires special mention and discussion because there is still great uncertainty regarding their design and planning. Planners often simply follow fashionable trends instead of making good use of the main advantages of such structures. Basic errors are often made because there is not enough awareness of structural and energy technology interconnections or of individual variants available for possible use in construction. The integration of directly and indirectly operating solar systems in building envelopes is still uncharted territory for many and successful combinations of practical value, technicalphysical function, design and construction solutions are still the exception rather than the rule, even though the first pioneering applications were implemented decades ago.

Munich, spring 2004 Thomas Herzog For the second edition, Part B on “Structures built with specific materials” and the “Special topics” chapter have been revised and expanded to include examples from the past decade.

New to this edition are three sections that do not deal mainly with specific materials but cover issues that have become increasingly important and need to be examined separately. The main reason for this are bioclimatic factors requiring special architectural solutions for the structural subsystem “facade” involving design in accordance with functional, technical and aesthetic criteria: refurbishment, the integration of annexed technical structural systems and the greening of exterior walls.

It was therefore natural to develop a separate third section of the book covering these six areas. After a general description of remit and operating principles, it depicts a range of different solutions and renderings and various examples of built structures that represent the current state-of-the-art.

Further developments are bound to follow, if only for reasons of efficiency, profitability and a commitment to sophisticated design. It is to be hoped that architects enthusiastic about the design of structural systems and components, people whose profession relies on an ability to comprehend the “technical organism” of a building as a whole, right down to the smallest detail, will continue to make cogent contributions to a broad “culture of construction” as a social imperative.

The authors would like to thank all the people, institutions, architects, photographers and companies that have supported our work with their skilful contributions and everyone who worked on the new edition.

Munich, summer 2016 Thomas Herzog, Roland Krippner, Werner Lang