Docomomo Dossier 1, Curtain Wall Refurbishment, A challenge to Manage, is the result of proceedings from the international Docomomo Seminar, January 25, 1996, at the Eindhoven University of Technology in The Netherlands. To the pioneers of the prewar period, the employment of steel in light facade constructions became almost emblematic. The typical combination of load bearing frames with sheer curtain walls or ribbon windows of light steel profiles are today almost synonymous with the image of modernity in architecture.
Over the years, the requirements to which facade constructions had to comply, have dramatically changed. In particular after the 1970s energy crises, it became evident that the energy consumption for buildings would have to be reduced. These concern thermal performance as well as fire security, acoustics, hygrical aspects and safety requirements.
