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Glazing Properties vs. Facade Geometry

A research project to explore the effect of building form and glazing properties on overall building performance.

The architectural design process typically occurs in the following chronological order: building
form, interior program, and facade. These fundamental aspects dictate building operational
energy usage. Historically, the architectural form and facade were influenced by the local
climate. However, modern commercial buildings often feature glazing as a significant portion
of the facade regardless of location, which has led to the development of advanced dynamic
glazing materials. The facade performance is influenced by both the geometric configuration
of its elements and material composition. While studies have investigated reducing building
energy during early design, few explored facade materials in unison with geometry. By
leveraging a parametric coding environment and various simulation engines, this study
explores the design implications of considering building energy goals from the onset for
buildings with potentially dynamic facades. The primary goal of the study is to determine
which aspects most significantly influence building energy usage.

This project was completed in collaboration with Laura Hinkle.

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