Powerskin Conference

The PowerSKIN Conference aims to address the role of building skins to accomplish a carbon neutral building stock. Topics such as building operation, embodied energy, energy generation and storage in context of envelope, energy and environment are considered.0The focus of the PowerSKIN issue 2021 deals with the question of whether simplicity and robustness stay in contradiction to good performance of buildings skins or whether they even complement each other: simplicity vs. performance?0As an international scientific event - usually held at the BAU trade fair in Munich - the PowerSKIN Conference builds a bridge between science and practice, between research and construction, and between the latest developments and innovations for the façade of the future.009th PowerSKIN Conference: simplicity vs. performance? - Munich, Germany.

The PowerSkin Conference aims to address the role of building skinsto accomplish a carbon neutral building stock. Topics such as buildingoperation, embodied energy, energy generation and storage in context offacades, structure and environment are considered."

FABRIC[ated] examines fabric as a catalyst for innovation, reflection, change and transformation in architecture. This book explores the ways in which research and development of fabric can, and historically has, influenced and revolutionized architecture, teaching and design. Responsive, flexible, impermanent, fluid and adaptive—fabric interacts with, and influences architecture, offering innovative solutions and increased material responsibility. Foundation and theory chapters establish clear precedent and futures for fabric’s position in architectural discourse. The case study section examines 14 international projects through three different threads: Veiling, Compression and Tension. Case studies include a diverse range of projects from the HiLo unit at Nest and CAST’s fabric formed concrete projects to a discussion of the impact of fabric on SO-IL and Kennedy Violich Architect’s professional work, demonstrating new and fresh methods for addressing sustainability and social justice through the use of fabric in architecture. Through the work of the many authors of this book, we see fabric as drape, skin, veil, mold, concept and inspiration. Fabric, in its broadest definition, is an important and innovative material in the development of socially conscious architecture. Offering readers pedagogical and practical models for international projects highlighting fabric’s use in architecture, this book will appeal to the novice and the expert, architecture students and practitioners alike.

Nature Based Strategies for Urban and Building Sustainability reviews the current state-of-the-art on the topic. In the introduction, the editors review the fundamental concepts of nature elements in the built environment, along with the strategies that are necessary for their inclusion in buildings and cities. Part One describes strategies for the urban environment, discussing urban ecosystems and ecosystem services, while Part Two covers strategies and technologies, including vertical greening systems, green roofs and green streets. Part Three covers the quantitative benefits, results, and issues and challenges, including energy performances and outdoor comfort, air quality improvement, acoustic performance, water management and biodiversity. Provides an overview of the different strategies available to integrate nature in the built environment Presents the current state of technology concerning systems and methodologies on how to incorporate nature in buildings and cities Features the latest research results on operation and ecosystem services Covers both established and new designs, including those still in the experimental stage

This book includes the most recent outcomes from research and professional practice in the ventilative cooling field, gathered by the selected panel of authors. It provides essential contents to face and reduce the rise of space cooling and ventilation energy uses in buildings by alternative ventilation and cooling solutions. The book is organised into three parts which include a detailed description of ventilative cooling boundaries and implications (working principles, KPIs, standards, comfort models, control techniques) and of principal techniques (night ventilation, controlled natural ventilation, hybrid solutions, PCM and mass activation, evaporative cooling, earth-to-air heat exchangers) along with an updated analysis of the background to the topic. Furthermore, the last part of the book defines a unique practical and theoretical framework to include ventilative cooling solutions in different building typologies along with their principal implications.

Eco-efficient Materials for Reducing Cooling Needs in Buildings and Construction: Design, Properties and Applications provides a comprehensive review on building envelope materials and technologies for reducing cooling needs in buildings. The book offers in-depth analysis of the performance of new innovative materials and technologies used in pavements, facade and roofing materials, PCMs and chromogenic smart materials. Includes practical case study examples of their applications in building and construction. The book is an essential reference resource for researchers, architects and civil engineers, city planners, product developers, manufacturers, and other professionals working in eco-efficient cooling materials and sustainable and zero-energy building design. Offers a comprehensive review of building envelope materials and technologies for reducing cooling needs Features practical case studies, which are fundamental for building design and applications Provides in-depth analysis of performance for different materials and technologies Features brand new chapters on pavements, facade and roofing materials, PCMs and chromogenic smart materials

Featuring research on topics such as low energy buildings' concepts, construction materials and technology, hybrid energy systems, energy balance, and wellbeing, this book meets the expectations of academicians, specialists and researchers in the field, along with the scholars seeking coverage on buildings, environmental and human impact. It presents an integrated approach to the buildings' energetic aspects, from the perspective of environmental impact, together with the indoor wellbeing. In this respect, the chapters include state of the art, case studies, as well as research results that validate the raised hypotheses. The book integrates topics related to buildings' performance, approached by researchers with different backgrounds within the civil engineering domain, i.e. achieved energetics performances, obstacles, restrictions and limitations issues within design and optimization processes, including the new perspectives in the buildings & energy sector.

Rethinking Building Skins: Transformative Technologies and Research Trajectories provides a comprehensive collection of the most relevant and forward-looking research in the field of façade design and construction today, with a focus on both product and process innovation. The book brings together the expertise, creativity, and critical thinking of more than fifty global innovators from both academia and industry, to guide the reader in translating research into practice. It identifies new opportunities for the construction sector to respond to present challenges, towards a more sustainable, efficient, connected, and safe future. Introduces the reader to the role of façades with respect to the main challenges ahead Provides an overview of the major façade technological advancements throughout history and identifies prospective research trajectories Includes interviews with key industry players from different backgrounds and expertise Showcases a comprehensive range of leading research topics in the field, organised by product and process innovation Covers major innovations across the value chain including façade design, fabrication, construction, operation and maintenance, and end-of-life Contributes towards the definition of an international research agenda and identifies emerging market opportunities for the façade industry