Decision-making in façade selection for multi-storey buildings

Abstract

The design and construction of multi-storey buildings faces a multitude of demands such as aesthetics, cost, energy efficiency, and occupier comfort; with façades on both new and re-used buildings playing a key role in helping to meet these demands. The process of façade selection is aided by a plethora of decision-making tools, yet façade decisions are often largely guided by cost and aesthetics. Poorly specified façades can potentially expose developers, owners and occupiers of multi-storey buildings to risks such as poor thermal comfort, glare, and increased operational costs. The aim of this paper is to explore the current state of façade decision-making, with the objectives of discovering who is making the decisions and when, and what problems are perceived and what potential solutions might exist. Literature pertaining to façades, multi-storey buildings and façade decision-making is reviewed. Experience of façade decision-making in today’s construction industry in the UK is collected via semi-structured interviews with construction professionals. The findings show architects as leading the initial façade decisions, with clients and planners making the final decisions. Very few decision-making tools were revealed as being used: namely whole life cost analysis, life cycle cost analysis and simulation. Further research is proposed to define the roles participating in façade decision-making for multi-storey buildings.