Fortunately, we can outsource one responsibility: curtain walls are such highly specialized systems that it is preferable to let others decide on the final screw. Our task? To provide a correct and comprehensive design brief (just as in the case of ventilated façades, although in that case the responsibility is somewhat shared). Two lines and a short text do not constitute a proper design brief (and how much I could comment regarding the “briefs for specialized disciplines”!). Moreover, the response to this brief must be discussed, understood, and negotiated.
The construction of a building, from a blank sheet of paper to the final, three-dimensional product, positioned in space and interacting with both the natural and built environment, is the result of collaboration between so many people - from designers to contractors and end-users, who also have their roles – that any communication gap can lead to significant consequences. This is why the project itself must be understood and fully assumed after discussions with the specialized designer.
This course is organized in partnership with specialized companies and is not intended exclusively for architects but for all those involved in the process of constructing a building—designers, contractors, system manufacturers, students in technical faculties, and anyone curious to learn something new.
And a fun fact: we've been talking about curtain walls for about 50 years, but they are actually much older. Join the course, and I'll share more fascinating insights about these façade systems!
Principles and Methods
