This seminar explores the multifaceted role of building envelopes, examining them as skin, shell, membrane, screen, and boundary. Students will investigate how envelopes function thermally, structurally, and ecologically while considering their dual role as boundary and environment.
It compares lightweight construction methods with thermal mass and stereotomy approaches, fostering a comprehensive understanding of facade performance across different contexts. Case studies of innovative architectural examples will illustrate solid and lightweight constructions, providing a foundation for students to develop relevant facade details for their studio projects. The seminar focuses on how the building envelope mediates between indoor and outdoor environments and how their surfaces are articulated. Students will explore how these interfaces can be thoughtfully designed, precisely drawn, and effectively constructed to enhance performance and aesthetic value. Students will analyse, critique, and design facade systems that align with environmental, structural, and aesthetic considerations through lectures, case studies, and hands-on project work. The seminar encourages critical thinking about building envelopes' lifecycle and environmental impact while fostering practical application in studio work.

Assessment: Students will be evaluated based on participation in discussions, case study analyses, and the development and presentation of detailed facade designs for a selected studio project.

Seminar structure:

Prominent architectural examples (solid and lightweight construction) will be shown, followed by elaborating details for an actual studio project. The seminar consists of 3 parts:

1) Lectures

2) Case study analysis

3) Apply the acquired knowledge to a selected studio project.

A more specific syllabus can be found here in January 2026.