glass trends live picked up on the Hot Topics of the industry at glasstec 2024. An intriguing perspective was presented by Melicia Planchart, M. Eng. Computational Design at AVANCIS. In her lectures she shed light on the advances made in solar façade design – and how design ambitions can be reconciled with energy efficiency today. In our interview she explains how solar façades not only contribute to reducing CO₂ but also set new aesthetic standards thanks to innovative design methods – inviting us to rethink architecture – in a sustainable, functional and visually appealing way.
Your lecture at glasstec 2024 dealt with the advances in solar façade design – thanks to computational design. What do you consider the key developments in this area and which benefits do they bring?
The benefits of the computational-design workflow we developed for consulting in the field of solar façades go far beyond efficiency and cost savings – they make for an informed planning approach that drives sustainable construction. Solar façades introduce renewable energy sources to an industry that has depended on CO₂-intensive practices for centuries. Now the time has come to address this imbalance and establish solar façades as an essential component of climate-friendly architecture.
One of the biggest innovations in this field is the use of computational design and parametric modelling which permits solar technology to be seamlessly integrated into complex geometries. This boosts both energy efficiency and architectural freedom. Data-driven optimisation makes for a targeted control of material use and installation processes thereby reducing costs and improving the economic viability of complex solar façades.
In addition, this optimised digital planning process increases the return on investment by allowing performance-based design, an efficient use of resources and precise cost and energy forecasts. This creates a well-informed decision-making basis for developers and planners. Beyond this, scalability, faster implementation and tailor-made solutions provide more flexibility for planning and make this approach applicable not only to solar façades but also other materials and design arenas.
These developments show that computational design not only brings aesthetic and functional benefits but also makes a key contribution to sustainability and efficiency in construction.
Which challenges still exist for implementing such solutions and what are the approaches for overcoming them?
The biggest challenge for implementing sustainable solutions in architecture is to reconcile aesthetics with efficiency. Many sustainable concepts are developed from the engineering perspective meaning they are often not flexible enough to seamlessly blend with architectural design. Sustainability, however, should be a central design aim rather than a subsequent add-on. Solar façades provide a solution here since they directly integrate renewable energies in the building skin thereby fulfilling both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Another obstacle is the confusion between Computational Design and BIM (Building Information Modelling). Computational design is frequently equated with BIM although the two approaches differ. The first is about a way of thinking where data and information are used to come up with creative solutions rather than rigid rules. Provided the algorithms were designed right, solutions grow almost organically and adapt to the project needs. This allows us to create more flexible and dynamic designs which are not only in line with existing regulations but also propose innovative solutions.
Which trends in solar façades do you expect to emerge over the coming five to ten years?
- Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) for the sustainable modernisation of building skins: BIPV plays a key role in the sustainable modernisation of building skins by increasing energy efficiency while conserving the architectural integrity. It reduces CO2 emissions and improves energy efficiency without changing the existing architecture.
- Early BIPV integration for reduced costs and design efforts: the early integration of BIPV in the design process cuts costs and reduces design efforts since the choice of materials and energy efficiency are optimally tuned to each other. This reduces adaption needs down the road and maximises the advantages of BIPV technology in terms of sustainability and economy.
- Cost-efficient, custom designs: advanced manufacturing and computational design make for high-performance, custom solar façades at competitive prices.
- AI and Machine Learning for solar façades: AI optimises PV module arrangement and orientation in real time, increases efficiency and adapts to environmental influences.
- Energy autonomy and integration in Smart Grids: tomorrow’s solar façades will not only generate but also store and distribute energy – seamlessly integrated into urban energy grids.
Why is glasstec an important platform for you to talk about innovations in solar façade technology?
As a computational designer I consider glasstec a central platform driving innovations in BIPV and computational design. It enables face-to-face conversations with decision makers and industry leaders, helping us to develop new standards for sustainable and energy-efficient façades.
For me glass technology live is a highlight. The opportunity it provides for exchange on design methods is especially valuable since this has resulted in important cooperations and further improved our solutions for complex, efficient façades. Four years ago, we exhibited a solar façade mock-up there developed using computational design tools. Add to this the many conferences and expert exchange opportunities during the event, which make this platform particularly exciting because you’re given a deep-dive straight into the latest development and ideas.
glasstec has allowed me to make contact with experts from various disciplines underlining the relevance of multi-disciplinary collaboration for developing future-proof, appealing and economically viable solar façades.
