BLDG 3790 Facade Engineering

Year
Year 3
Semester
First Semester
Credit
3
Program Description

Specialized design and performance analysis of building curtain walls and cladding.

Course overview

This advanced course focuses on the engineering and design of building curtain walls and cladding systems. You will learn how to analyze the structural, thermal, and aesthetic requirements of complex building envelopes. The course covers material selection, joint detailing, and the integration of weather protection systems.

Through a combination of lectures and studio work, you will develop the skills needed to specify and detail facade components that meet strict performance standards. You will also explore the latest technologies in sustainable envelope design and energy efficiency.

Who takes this course

Credits: 3 · Hours: 45

Prerequisites

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate high-performance curtain wall systems and cladding materials.
  • Perform structural and thermal analysis on complex building envelopes.
  • Apply building code requirements to facade detailing and installation.
  • Produce detailed shop drawings for facade fabrication.
  • Assess moisture management and air barrier integration in cladding systems.
  • Review mock-up testing and quality assurance protocols for envelope construction.

Evaluation

Component Weight (%)
Mid-term design project 25
Final envelope analysis and detailing portfolio 40
Practical laboratory and testing report 20
Final examination 15