Building Transformation articles Future Façades | Page 9
MATERIALS INNOVATION VS
PROACTIVE FAÇADE MANAGEMENT
09
Material innovation and creative architectural façades
designs will always play a significant role in assisting building
sustainability objectives. Innovation must effectively work in
line with functionality, aestheticand commercial returns in
order for it to be an attractive and utilised solution. This need
is what can often create limitations in their appeal or speed
of installation.
“We have a city made to collect solar energy… the
sidewalks, all industrial roofs with inclined roofs, all the
walls, the options are endless.”
Abdulla Raffia, Director Municipality Assistant Director-General
for Engineering & Planning, Dubai
By designing and constructing building façades that take full advantage of
elevation specific and localised weathering conditions (such as south elevations for
photovoltaic façade installations or bioclimatic designs)we can continue to step by
step move towards a more sustainable future.
However, many of the green building policies, objectives and targets for
sustainability are understandably directed towards new building construction.
This however gives little consideration to how we can improve performance or
innovations for prolonging the lifespan of current building façades and how this
space could more effectively be utilised, retrofitted or managed to help deliver a
more sustainable future.
“A key ingredient to
supporting future building
sustainability targets is
through more proactive,
service driven & holistic
façade management
programmes, ensuring we
protect or enhance current
built assets rather than
replace.”
R. Wood, Building Transformation, 2015
Built façade environments need more planned inspections
for effective asset protection and maintenance, ensuring
owners and managers of large buildings and expensive capital
assets are fully armed with the information and resources
they need to make informed business decisions. There must
be reviews on traditional external glass and façade cleaning
procurement and programming with questions raised around
the value that it currently delivers and its ability to comply
with sustainability objectives. It requires a more creative
approach and commitment to asset protection rather than
new development or replacement. Simply designing and
installing new products ultimately use resources throughout
the manufacturing, delivery and installation lifecycle.
Prevention is always a more effective strategy than cure, so
proactive façade management should be a key sustainable
building or facility management solution that protects and
prolongs the life span of in-situ façades, this supporting
innovation progress and sustainability targets.
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