How can building envelopes be designed efficiently in an international context? How can the balancing act between architecture, sustainability and construction requirements be achieved? These and other exciting questions will be the focus of the 5th International NEXT Facade Summit on April 26, 2022, starting at 4:00 p.m. (CET). During the English-language livestream broadcast from the NEXT Studio by WICONA + Partners, leading minds from well-known planning offices will once again report on innovative and sustainable facade and architectural projects from around the world.
A successful symbiosis of design and technology
To get things off to a start, Torben Østergaard – managing partner at 3XN in Copenhagen – will provide insights into the working methods of his internationally successful office. The architect will talk about the important function of shaping and design in the creation of livable environments. This will be illustrated by the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, recently completed by 3XN, as well as the futuristic "Cube" office building in Berlin. Oliver Franke – Associate and Head of Building Envelope at the Berlin-based architecture firm HENN – will then present his team's philosophy in the development and planning of customized facade solutions. This specifically involves the integration of the components of Facade Design, Daylight Analysis and Material Research. Using the examples of the Zalando Headquarters (Berlin) and the Merck Innovation Center (Darmstadt) building projects completed by HENN, the speaker will present sustainable and future-oriented solutions in terms of design and technology, and will also provide an overview of his firm's upcoming projects.
Holistic facade planning and revitalization in line with historic preservation requirements
In his role as a facade planner at the international architecture and engineering firm Werner Sobek (Stuttgart), Timo Schmidt will talk about human-centered facade design. This expert – who is also Professor of Facade Technology and
Design at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences – explains why the holistic approach to the planning of facades is so enormously important for the well-being of the people living or working in the building. The speaker, who has been involved in the planning of facades for spectacular buildings such as the Dubai Opera House and Casa Enzo Ferrari in Modena, is concerned with more than just the requirements for indoor comfort and indoor air quality defined in the standards. His view, above all, is that the psychosocial aspects are extremely decisive for well-being and user comfort. Holger Meyer will present the working methods of the company he founded, holger meyer architektur (Frankfurt). A central component of these projects is a harmonious triad of simplicity, utility and sustainability. This also means that the architecture should treat existing heritage with care, while also being open and looking boldly to the future. As a successful example of this approach, the architect will present the extensive revitalization of the former Commerzbank Global Tower high-rise (Frankfurt). The existing building, which was technically outdated, was transformed into a modern office building – including renovation of the landmark facade.
And finally, Simone Starnini, Head of Facade Engineering at Sir Robert McAlpine in London, reports in conclusion on outstanding construction and facade projects in Britain. In doing so he gives special focus to the investor's viewpoint. As a project developer, planning office, and construction company, Sir Robert McAlpine offers a comprehensive range of services. The company has played a leading role in many famous and unusual British construction projects, such as the Olympic Stadium in London and the Francis Crick Institute near London.
Register now – participation is free of charge
There will be a live stream of the event in English. Participation via YouTube is free of charge. Register now at www.next-studio.de
