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Morrison Hershfield > Newsroom > Seminars
Facade Engineering: How to Design a Functional Building Enclosure
 
Speaker Karol Kazmierczak, ASHRAE, CSI, LEED AP Morrison Hershfield
Date June 10 2010
Event AIA 2010 National Convention
Host

The American Insitute of Architects

Location Miami FL
This session presents elementary concepts of facade engineering and focuses on areas typically overlooked by architects and engineers.  Case studies were chosen on the basis of observations derived from both forensic investigations of failed assemblies and from peer reviews of architectural documentation.  A balanced, holistic approach to the facade design will be emphasized.  Common functions of facade will be discussed, including structural adequacy, air tightness, moisture and water control, solar heat and sunlight control, ergonomics, fire and smoke safety, security, blast resistance, wildlife control, noise mitigation, responsiveness to codes, durability, feasibility and economy of manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and repair, and environmental impact.  As building enclosures are typically the single largest factor responsible for a lifetime building performance, buildings’ performances will be analyzed and contrasted with performances observed in products of different industries.  Common users’ expectations will be listed and contrasted with architectural criteria and intricacies of design selection process.  Architectural continuing education will be discussed and contrasted to education in the aviation industry.  Emphasis will be placed on typical sources of confusion in design and construction, particularly on confusion that stems from gaps in communication and coordination between architects and engineers, architects and delegated design teams, and architects and subcontractors responsible for adjacent facade systems.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify facade functions and principles governing building enclosure design
  • Recognize often overlooked aspects of facade design
  • Verify correctness of facade drawings
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