Parametric design workflow for solar, context-adaptive and reusable facades in changing urban environments
2025 (English)In: Journal of Building Performance Simulation, Taylor & Francis, ISSN 1940-1493, E-ISSN 1940-1507, Vol. 18, no 2, p. 161-190Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
This study proposes a concept and workflow for solar, context-adaptive and reusable facades. Integrating solar control with parametric facade design, the workflow uses solar radiation to inform facade modules with variable openness or properties (e.g. frit cover), enabling envelopes to adapt to urban context changes while promoting circularity. The method was tested through simulations, assessing daylight, glare, energy and circularity in changing urban scenarios. A Solar Circularity Indicator (SCI) was introduced to track façade alterations and reuse. In the 100 m new obstruction scenario, 79% of facade modules were maintained, while 29% of altered modules were reused, yielding an 85% SCI. Sunlight Autonomy metrics aligned well with SCI. Re-design improved Spatial Daylight Autonomy by up to 4% with minimal energy increase (<1%). Our solution provided 2% more useful daylight (100–3000 lux) than glazed facades and 11% less glare. The workflow provides a framework for circular, performance-based designs that preserve aesthetics and adaptability.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Informa UK Limited , 2025. Vol. 18, no 2, p. 161-190
Keywords [en]
parametric design, computational design, digital workflow, envelope, facade, buildings, sunlight autonomy, daylighting, sunlight, daylight, facade design, engineering, design process, simulations, circularity, solar circularity indicator, circular economy, circular construction, reuse, climate change, changing urban environments, urban context, energy, glare, visual comfort, climate based daylight modelling, daylight factor, metrics, performance, densification, health, urbanization, cities, urban design, planning, EN 17037, adaptability, flexibility, circular facades, solar facades, adaptive facades, design for disassembly, prefabrication, shadings, solar gain control, solar control, design strategies, adaptation, key performance indicators, evolvability, algorithmic design
National Category
Architecture Humanities and the Arts Building Technologies Architectural Engineering Construction Management Construction Management Other Civil Engineering
Research subject
Architecture, Architectural Design; Architecture, Architectural Technology; Architecture; Civil and Architectural Engineering; Civil and Architectural Engineering, Building Technology; Civil and Architectural Engineering, Building Service and Energy Systems; Architecture, Urban Design; Architecture, History and Theory of Architecture; Planning and Decision Analysis, Strategies for sustainable development; Urban and Regional Planning
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-357021DOI: 10.1080/19401493.2024.2432916ISI: 001368149600001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85210740248OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-357021DiVA, id: diva2:1917367
Note
QC 20250311
2024-12-022024-12-022025-03-11Bibliographically approved