Facades+ is returning to San Francisco on March 23

After two successful events in Atlanta and Philadelphia to kick off the conference’s 10th anniversary year, Facades+ is returning to San Francisco on March 23. Featuring three panels in a morning symposium, and three afternoon workshops, this will be the conference’s last stop before a 10th Anniversary celebration in New York City on April 13.

Co-chaired by Brent Van Gunten, principal and technical director at Gensler, the program will highlight the most exciting projects in the Bay Area and projects around the world from Bay Area firms. The conference will bring together architects, engineers, and fabricators who are national leaders in facade design, and local experts in San Francisco.

looking at a wave of vertical metal bands on a facade — Burlingame Point places complex systems behind a clean, uniform facade. (Gensler)

The first panel of the morning will feature the work of IwamotoScott and Mark Cavagnero Associates, focusing on evolutions in scrim and shading innovations. Craig Scott and Robert Tranter will present the 3rd Street Garage and Future Science and Technology Town Exhibition Pavilion in Chengdu, China. The Garage features an inherent openness in an envelope that is not enclosed, while the Chengdu project tells the story of an interesting construction process, and the challenges of designing virtually. Mark Cavagnero and Paul Davidson will present the University of California San Francisco Joan and Sanford I. Weill Neurosciences Building—located just around the corner from 3rd Street Garage—and will detail the innovative shading of a building that was designed to make patients feel connected to the outside while providing privacy when needed.

looking up at a tiled terra-cotta facade — 100 Stockton incorporates terra-cotta into a complex curtain wall system. (Gensler)

The second discussion will focus on realizing complex facades, exploring a range of approaches to taking projects from Gensler and Heintges from concept to reality. Bob Perry and Chris Payne from Gensler will be joined by Karen Brandt from Heintges to present 633 Folsom, 100 Stockton, and the Burlingame Point project. From designing FRP for a curtain wall system to cladding with Corian and terra-cotta, this panel will cover a variety of materials and approaches to reaching a final design from a clear initial concept. The discussion will also detail how to incorporate complex systems into a clear aesthetic, masking the complexities of a technically intricate facade with a uniform design.

looking up at a row of vertical louvers on facades in san francisco — The facade on the UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience features an innovative shading design that centers the needs of patients. (Tim Griffith)

The final panel of the morning looks to breathable facades, featuring the work of Eckersley O’Callaghan—presented by Lisa Rammig—and the work of Atelier Ten, presented by Shruti Kasarekar. With the growing importance of climate-resilient buildings, especially in the Bay Area, this panel will highlight the ability to design appealing facades that are technically high performing and give occupants greater control over heating and cooling. Expanding on the details of how operable facades can be designed in areas with poor air quality, and incorporating natural ventilation into hybrid timber structures, the conversation will balance the possibilities of designing elegant facades with the necessities inherent to designing for more environmentally conscious structures.

Learn more about Facades+ San Francisco here, and get your tickets today!