Facade Design Systems - Toolkit

Facade Systems Toolkit /

The toolkit, is a set of computational design systems dedicated for efficient design exploration, development and realization of building facades.

The toolkit employs three methods, each corresponding to a design approach, and hence, the toolkit covers a wide range of design scenarios.

1. Modular Panel-Based
2. Tectonics
3. Multilayered grids

The toolkit was developed iteratively in multiple projects at White Arkitekter and Kengo Kuma and is part of the computational design systems at each practice respectively.

1. Modular Panel-Based Facade System

©︎White Arkitekter

This design system facilitates the mapping of the design program onto volumetric envelopes along with the design exploration, development and rationalization of modular panel-based facade systems simultaneously.

The system is part of the computational design systems repository @White Arkitekter.

Pallette of Modules

Using a pallette of predefined and/or custom modules specific for each project allows for exploring a wide range of potential design scenarios quickly while maintaining a streamlined process from design exploration to rationalization due to the realtime adaptivity embedded in the algorithm.

Each design scenario can then feature a unique set of facade modules and composition.

Program to Facade

The design system aids in schematic design zoning by enabling the mapping of the project program onto the envelope with flexible guides. This process creates potential spaces, identifies their uses, reports total figures and metrics, and evaluates performance in compliance with the project program.

This program is then reflected in the base grid of the facade panels, ensuring the facade consistently relates to the building spaces.

Realtime Adaptivity

The design system ensures that the base panels—and therefore the facade modules—are adapted to construction limits in real-time.

Localization

Localization and the capability to utilize multiple module types within the same design proposal enable the exploration of complex design scenarios efficiently within a limited timeframe.

2. Tectonics Facade System

©︎White Arkitekter

This design system allows for efficient exploration and development of facade tectonics of repetitive patterns using predefined and/or user custom library of profiles.

The library is a company-wide asset where new profiles can be added over time and it can be accessed by all relevant designers to utilize in different projects simultaneously.

This system was developed to address the design approach where facade texture, tectonics or repetitive patterns play a vital role in the design.

The system is part of the computational design systems repository @White Arkitekter.

3. Multilayered Grids Facade System

©︎Kengo Kuma

This design system is intended to facilitate a design approach centred around sketching intricate custom panelling systems.

Using multilayered grids, the system enables users to sketch complex parts in 3D and seamlessly map them onto the entire grid with minimal effort and time.

This workflow features an intuitive method for sketching complex patterns that are difficult to achieve with other modelling techniques, while maintaining full user control over parameters, form, and realization.

The current system supports up to five grids (four layers of pattern) with the option to increase depth by adding more grids if necessary.

The system is part of the computational design systems repository @Kengo Kuma and associates.

Applications in Projects

This section features two selected applications for the toolkit in projects @White Arkitekter.

Österskans Hotel, Halmstad

“White Arkitekter’s proposal for a new center for urban life at Österskans in Halmstad, Sweden, has won a land transfer competition. Located on the Nissan River, new Österskans building offers something for all ages and is a place where visitors and the people of Halmstad congregate to enjoy culture, shopping and leisure activity”.

In order to achieve the shimmering effect of the facade, the design features 7 different modules, each consists of 2 layers of panels and has unique physical and aesthetic characteristics.

The 7 facade modules are subsequently used in a design exploration process to achieve a shimmering effect for the facade optimized for openness, daylight and views.

Nornas, Zakuzala

Proposal for an invited competition for an adaptation of existing office building proposal into residential buildings on the Zakusala island in central Riga, Latvia. The proposal enhances social sustainability by balancing the private home and the neighbourhood, through community building features.

The computational design system was developed to facilitate the mapping of the project program onto the envelope using flexible guides to create the potential spaces, identify the potential use for each space, report the total figures and metrics and evaluate the performance according to the compliance to the project program.

The system also helped with the panelization of the facade to allow design exploration of different options in a fast and efficient way.