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In today’s email, we are considering the challenges of adopting parametric modelling in the Facade Contracting world. It comes from Jack Cruzado, who is the Principal Facade Consultant at Meinhardt Facade Technology, in Hong Kong.
🇭🇰 Jack has a 17-year career, spanning everything from Facade design and engineering to thermal analysis and performance testing. In his own words, he is also into software/plugin development to automate digital facade fabrication modelling to help facade contractors minimize the time spent on design time and build efficiency and accuracy of fabrication documents.
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In this week’s email:
Featured Topic - Adoption of parametric modelling in the contracting world
Glazier Nation | Watch and Listen as the Glazier Nation team sits down with Facade industry experts
Project Highlight | A sustainable masterpiece
Association | Follow the Society of Facade Engineering North America
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Project Highlight 📸
Bee’ah Headquarters, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Nestled within Sharjah, the UAE’s third most populous urban center, Bee’ah emerges as the Middle East’s premier environmental management enterprise, experiencing unprecedented growth. Devoted to fostering a greener tomorrow for the region, Bee’ah spearheads innovative strategies for harnessing renewable energy and setting the bar for sustainability standards. The organization’s state-of-the-art headquarters was conceived to embody its ethos and vision, serving as a dynamic workplace for its 6000-strong staff while catalyzing groundbreaking initiatives at the forefront of environmental progress.
Led by the famous Zaha Hadid Architects, the building operates at LEED Platinum standards, targeting net zero emissions. The challenging facade was taken on by Buro Happold, who went on to win the International Sustainability Award at the Society of Facade Engineering 2023 competition.
Glazing elements are limited across the building, to protect the occupants from the harsh desert sun, instead, glass fibre-reinforced panels help to regulate temperatures and limit solar gain.
It is the first fully AI-integrated building in the Middle East, enabling energy efficiency, friction-free access and security, and connected building management and employee service systems.
It uses an on-site solar power plant to meet a large portion of its power requirements. An on-site grey water recycling plant and water-efficient systems for landscaping applications also ensure ultra-low water consumption, setting new benchmarks for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings in a net zero age.
✅ Follow the Society of Facade Engineering North America on LinkedIn below, they held their first virtual meet-up last week, with more to come!
🗣️ A message from Andrea Zani who is a Member of the Society of Facade Engineering and co-chair of the North America Hub;
“The Society of Façade Engineering acts as an axis for those involved in the façade industry to determine the credentials of members and as a network for those seeking to employ them.
The Society’s North American branch aims to bring together those in the facade industry in North America with their counterparts in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Our industry has globalized for procurement of materials in unprecedented ways. To make progress towards innovation and sustainable design, we must come together across the regions.”
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📝 Featured Topic📝
by Jack Cruzado, Principal Facade Consultant, Meinhardt Facade Technology, Hong Kong
🧭 Navigating the Transition: The Challenge of Adopting Parametric Modelling in Façade Contracting
Increased capital outlay and talent gaps are two main factors when considering a change in methodology. Below, Jack addresses, in short form, the issues Facade Contractors are facing when looking at 2D versus 3D capabilities👇👇👇
In the evolving world of architectural design and construction, the adoption of advanced technological tools, such as parametric modelling, has become essential for efficiency and innovation. Despite the clear benefits, a significant number of façade contractors are yet to embrace these advancements, particularly in the realm of 3D modelling and Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms. This reluctance poses considerable challenges and missed opportunities in an industry increasingly characterized by complex, generative design workflows.
The core of the issue lies in the persistent use of traditional manual 2D fabrication drawings by many contractors. While these methods are familiar and have served the industry for decades, they are rapidly becoming obsolete in the face of 3D parametric modelling capabilities. Parametric modelling allows for more dynamic, adaptable, and precise designs, offering significant improvements over 2D drawings, especially in handling the complexities of modern architectural facades.
Another critical factor is the technological disparity between the design and fabrication stages. Advanced CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, capable of interpreting and executing designs from 3D STP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data) files, are increasingly available. These machines offer unparalleled precision and efficiency in materializing complex designs. However, the reluctance of contractors to move away from manual 2D drawings to 3D models results in a disconnect. This gap not only slows down the construction process but also limits the creative potential of façade designs.
The reluctance to adopt these new technologies can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is a significant skill gap in the industry. Many façade designers and contractors are not proficient in 3D modelling and BIM software. This lack of expertise becomes a barrier to implementing more advanced design and fabrication processes. Additionally, the initial investment in training and software can be a deterrent, especially for smaller firms.
Moreover, architectural façade designs have increasingly incorporated generative design workflows. These workflows use algorithms to generate complex, optimized structures and forms that would be challenging, if not impossible, to create using traditional design methods. The use of generative design in architecture signifies a shift towards more sustainable, efficient, and aesthetically diverse building façades. However, without the adoption of parametric modelling tools, contractors risk being unable to actualize these innovative designs effectively.
The benefits of transitioning to parametric modelling are manifold. It enables a more integrated approach to building design and construction, enhancing collaboration between architects, designers, and contractors. This integration ensures that the final construction stays true to the original architectural vision. It also allows for more efficient use of materials and reduced waste, contributing to sustainable building practices. Furthermore, parametric modelling can significantly reduce errors and revisions, leading to a smoother, faster construction process and ultimately cost savings.
In conclusion, the construction industry, particularly façade contractors, stands at a crossroads. The choice is between clinging to familiar but outdated methods or embracing the technological advancements that are reshaping the field. To remain competitive and relevant, contractors must overcome the hurdles of adopting parametric modelling tools. This requires investment in training, software, and a cultural shift towards embracing new technologies. The future of architectural façade design is undeniably tied to the innovative possibilities offered by parametric modelling, and it's imperative for façade contractors to adapt to this changing landscape.
Jack Cruzado
Principal
Meinhardt Facade Technology, Hong Kong
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