The façade technology of the 20th century is related to the dissolution of the massive wall into a separation of structure and façade. Looking at the development of façade technology now, after 60 years of curtain wall systems, 30 years of element façade systems and ten years of experience with the integration of environmental services in double façades, the peak of optimization has been reached. Understanding façades - or better envelopes - as part of an integral building, we have to see that creating the future envelope has to be done on a ’network’ basis: employing systems - but also methods of thinking - which provide the possibility to develop different aspects simultaneously and combine them, as required. IFaçades comprises various topics of strategic, material and technological developments. Aspects such as function integration, networking of elements, new structures and materials and lastly the addition of functions to existing structures will be investigated and explained in 100 or so concrete ideas.

Two volumes of the Imagine series are planned annually. Façades and Deflateables will appear in May 2008. Performance Driven Envelopes and Rapids will appear at the beginning of 2009.

Edited by Ulrich Knaack

Designed by Minke Themans

Translation by George Hall