There has been an amplifying focus on the effect of facades on indoor comfort

- AR. ROBIN SISODIYA

Founder and Principal Architect, ASRO Arcade India

How is the trend evolving in the façade and its applications in India?

In addition to their insulation, waterproofing, and aesthetic functions, façade design now encompasses energy efficiency to a greater extent, which adds another layer of complexity to the process. Further, façade engineers have access to a number of new materials, and developments in technology allow them to create iconic building facades. Modern façade design has harnessed the most recent technological advancements and techniques that have led to new construction processes and materials, such as smart materials, which have opened up huge design possibilities.

How is the façade system transforming from just aesthetics to a functional element in building structures?

Facades are no longer an element of aesthetics and visual appeal for a building. Architects and designers strive to create sustainable facades, which are aesthetically pleasing. The cost-effective, energy-saving yet aesthetic construction has the potential to support the property owners and also to be effective for the environment. Building façades play a vital role in enhancing the properties like weather resistance and acoustic, thermal, and fire resistance. In recent years, there has been an amplifying focus on the effect of facades on indoor comfort. Recent trends such as perforated aluminium panels or kinetic facades regulate ventilation and natural light, thus contributing to the functionality of the buildings.

How do the demand and applications vary in commercial and residential buildings?

With residential structures playing a crucial part in the urban fabric, it demands a façade that reflects the inner personality and character of the building. Complex geometric forms, distinctive material palettes, and indoor comfort define the residential facades, while facades of commercial buildings seek to express their brand identity in the first place. Though both residential and commercial facades focus on sustainability, commercial buildings prioritize their energy efficiency, enabling access to sufficient lighting, controlling air flow and ventilation, and maintaining heat gain and UV rays under control. Structural considerations also play a vital role in huge commercial buildings.

What are the design and technological developments happening in the façade industry, and what future you see for the market?

Along with the evolving materials that furnish the look and feel of a building, technologies applied to façades and fenestrations are also unfolding at a greater level. Technological advancements have been made in the application of new techniques that have made recent façade trends more responsive to the environment as well as the design. The deviation towards energy conservation and efficiency paves way for flourishing trends of perforated metal facades, kinetic facades, and smart facades, that maintain ambient internal temperature, ventilation, and natural light at the same time ensuring visibility from inside. Metals like copper, corten steel, aluminium, and brass alloys are now being explored as new façade elements in Indian homes.

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