JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE, VOL. 64, NO. 3, JUNE 2017, PP.

165-187
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, CAIRO UNIVERSITY

PERFORMATIVE ARCHITECTURE: FACADES' PATTERN EFFECT ON

ARCHITECTURAL PERFORMANCE

I. ABDELSABOUR1

ABSTRACT

This study explains the façade pattern's design effect on the architectural
performance of building. A discussion of performance from the structural,
environmental and aesthetical point of view was shown. By studying the façade pattern
design effect on architectural performance to determine the feature of the building, by
studying the digital patterns design characteristics, then the role of performance studies
in pattern design through its evaluation levels, by selecting some case studies to achieve
the main relation between them.

KEYWORDS: Performative Architecture, Facades, Digital Patterns, Digital Design

1. INTRODUCTION

Facade as the building’ skin was its signature and the way to present itself to the
globe, sometimes act as a landmark. Architects and designers tried to use many eye
catching and unusual materials to create interesting surfaces with pattern that gave
buildings a unique look and character that emphasize “A picture is worth a
thousand words” [1].
The buildings request to understand their functionality, how do buildings work
and for which reason it was built, that could be: structural, environmental, economical,
ecological, spatial, or technological [2-3]. Over the last four decades, the various
computation processes enabled to utilize generative patterns in developing social,
material and spatial systems. This study clarifies the façade pattern's design effect on
the architectural performance of building.

1
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Mattaria, Helwan University.
[email protected]
 I. ABDELSABOUR

There was a significant lack of studies that analyze design characteristics for the
categorization of design patterns in terms of materials or construction, which effected
on the facades pattern design architectural performance.

1.1 Research Problem

In facades design, there could be a relation between the appearance and
performance. By studying the façade pattern and its design effect on architectural
performance to determine the character of the building. Besides, there were external
factors affecting the design process based on, different design and erection techniques
and to explore how performative simulation processes, environmental modulation, and
spatial conditioning through the architectural design process could help in design
generation.

1.2 Research Aims

The purpose of the study was investigating the correlations between design
performance, modern computational design techniques and digital fabrication for some
building facade pattern design. In association with the used materials, techniques of
applying, erection process, and their effect on facades design performance by
understanding the patterns design characteristics affect.

1.3 Research Methodology

The paper will analyze the building façades design characteristics with many
digital techniques and discussing the using of design resulting features through three
stages: First, studying the digital patterns design characteristics. Second, determine the
role of performance studies in pattern design through its evaluation levels. Third, some
façade design patterns were selected as case studies according to the performance levels.
That display a variation in pattern designs that have emerged from different shapes,
materials, and techniques, which achieve a collection of surfaces and shapes with
technical and conceptual means.

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 Performative Architecture: Remarkable Facades' Pattern Effect on Architectural Performance

2. PATTERN AND PERFORMATIVE ARCHITECTURE

Many studies concerned with the facades pattern design in several ways. Instead
of attracting to the aesthetics, the buildings request the understanding of their
functionality. From the social point of view, digital patterns emotional impact was
analyzed, to assume the building façade design as an emotional effect of symmetry and
regularity [4]. Or from the environmental viewpoint, a workflow was proposed, by
integrating both physical and digital simulation for thermal performance design as an
integral part in the design process to facilitate forms driving based on the understanding
of geometrical patterning thermal performance [5].
Besides, through material selection, and working with light as a concept of
membrane façade design, taking into account the trends of membrane construction
design of significant buildings, the building aims to be a sculpture and works with
natural daylight and shadow [6]. At last, there were potentials to turn parametric design
pattern collection into a pattern language, by using parametric design patterns in
practices as initial studies to form a pattern language of parametric design [1]. So, the
performative architecture purpose was to prevent clashing ideas between these aims by
optimization methods that should have the capability to create by using digital
generation and modification to search for design alternatives [3].

2.1 Pattern Definition

The pattern could be defined as both an original and a copy, or as an ideal or a
generalized model to be followed by its repetitive materialization. In 1977, Christopher
Alexander in his book “A Pattern Language” defined patterns as an associative
networked system enable designers to become ‘pattern authors’ [7]. Patterns might be
nested within other patterns, which required adjustments to the original scripts. Pattern
formations were based on processes that were defined by rules, algorithms, established
boundary conditions, phase space and external influences [8]. Building façades digital
design patterns could be classified into five categories as listed: applied patterns,
perforated patterns, layered patterns, cast patterns, and tiled patterns [9]. This paper

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attempts to analyze the design characteristics of façade designs based on the suggested
patterns, Table 1.

Table 1. Examples of Digital Patterns Types on Building Façade, [9], [Author]

applied patterns perforated patterns layered patterns cast patterns tiled patterns

2.2 Pattern Function

Patterning joined within many subsystem connections; the facade pattern
articulation related with the structural system which in turn connected with both exterior
shape and interior shape voiding. Another opportunity was facades adaptive
differentiation with regard to environmental parameters that varied widely according to
the orientation of the surface [10]. Besides, facades geometrical patterning that had an
effective link between outdoor space and indoor environment to reduce surface
temperature, incident solar radiation and transmitted heat through the surfaces, that
helped for heat gain or lose and light control [5].

2.3 Performative Architecture

Recent technologies in design allowed more complex design models, resulting in
a switch to a new performance based design model, which was defined as the
performative design [3]. So, performative architecture was an orientation shift in
architectural theory and practice from what building is to what it does. It defined the
architectural object, not by how it appeared, but rather by its capability of affecting,
transforming and doing; in other words, by how it performed. It had the ability to
generate by using digital generation and modification to search for possible alternative
designs. Performative architecture could be grouped into two groups; First, had a narrow
point of view which saw it as a technical development in digital design and
manufacturing processes, as a technical {structural, thermal, acoustical, etc.} issue.

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 Performative Architecture: Remarkable Facades' Pattern Effect on Architectural Performance

Second, searched for the theory and meaning of it and their definitions span multiple
branches {financial, spatial, social, cultural, etc.} [2].

2.3.1 Performative design

In performative design, the object was created by simulating its performance. So,
the design was defined and characterized by applying digital simulations of external
forces to drive form generation [11].
2.3.2 Performative design as technical development
In performative architecture, the digital model should have a special logic, in
which performance and pattern form generation must be synchronized. By this way, the
model could act as a mechanism to generate and modify patterns designs, which also
required closer integration between evaluation and design [3].
2.3.3 Performative architecture tools
In design: to drive design decisions, by using several design techniques such as
parametric design tools for building skin design exploration, testing constructability,
and material choices. Computation served as a tool to control material and behavioral
patterns for new forms production of the structured spatial organization [12].
In fabrication and construction: with the digital technologies for both design and
fabrication, and the associated link between them in CAD/CAM, there were greater
possibilities for more complex components, assemblies and building forms [13].
Through computer-controlled such as; laser, plasma, water jet cutting technology, and
robots individually customized and custom-made surfaces as a stable part of the design.
These manufacturing techniques allowed the uncomplicated production of a profile by
a large number of marked initial materials, such as; plastic, plywood, glass and stainless
steel to the material of prefabricated building such as concrete or brick [9].

2.4 Building Performance Evaluation Levels

Building performance had three levels of priority that listed below: 1/ Structural
Performance, to ensure the structural factors {must comply with building codes and life
safety standards projects}. 2/ Physical Environment Performance, includes solar,
thermal, moisture, lighting, wind and energy, that impact on the built environment

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quality both indoor and outdoor. 3/ Aesthetic and Cultural Performance, considered the
architectural design focal point; form, an organization of space, material selection, color,
shape, to determine the building aesthetic and cultural performances {which are less
codified, but nevertheless equally important for designers}, Table 2, [2-14].

Table 2. Categorization of Architectural Performance Levels, [2-14] [Author]

1. Structural Performance Health Environmental factors
(Firmness) Safety & Structural factors/ Disaster safety (fire,
Security storm, flood, earthquake)
2. Physical Environment Functionality Suitable space/solar, thermal, lighting
Performance factors / Functionality Adjacent to
(Commodity) related areas
Efficiency Effective and efficient work space/Built
environment quality.
3. Aesthetic and Cultural Social Communicative/Interactional/
Performance Ideological/Political
(Delight) Aesthetics Compatibility with building’s
surroundings/ Sensory stimulation
(visual, tactile, audial)/material selection
Cultural Shape/ Landmark buildings

3. DIGITAL DESIGN PATTERNS OF BUILDING FAÇADES

3.1 Types of Digital Patterns

a) Applied Pattern
Applied patterns have operated within the shallowest dimensions of the surface,
by painting, printing, stenciling, sandblasting, acid-etching, and chemically-treating
techniques. Many applied patterns generated a deep field of activity {optical,
programmatic, symbolic}, in parallel with the level of technique and content. To
provide a unique approach, visual, and conceptual aspects of architectural performance,
it acted as both a screen for the private interior and sometimes a symbolic sign to the
public exterior.
b) Perforated and Cut Pattern
Perforated pattern had environmental functions such as light control, room
climate through internal permeability and perforation by determining the size and the

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 Performative Architecture: Remarkable Facades' Pattern Effect on Architectural Performance

arrangement of the produced openings. Not only optimize the practical aspects of the
building skin, but also the surface with innovative features.

c) Layered Pattern
Layered pattern was multi-layered buildings, that gave the building envelope a
greater spatial depth. This was arising from the design and construction potential but
related to layers’ number and the used materials. That leaded to: 1/ modulate the heat or
light transition between the exterior and interior, 2/ protect the interior of the building
and gives the façade surface a multi-layered appearance by overlaying of different
materials and pattern origination. In many cases, the air spaces between the façade levels
were essential to increase the various properties of the exterior envelope and allow the
building envelope to appear as a multi-layered organism.

d) Formed and Cast Patterns

They were based on molding and other shaping processes of materials. By
increasing flexibility of casting and molding technology, technological, conceptual
application and design options were improved, so that many architects are now able to
work with custom-made castings.
e) Stacked and Tiled Pattern
Individual elements modular repetition allowed a certain degree of
differentiation, which was derived from either the individual parts variation or by the
connection technique. May be irregularly shaped units, but identically constructed, or
had a geometrical repetition to produce a change in the intensity of the building. Or
various stacks and tile systems could be formally diffused by the identical parts patterns
arrangements. The special deformation was controlled by digital modeling of a
parametric surface model, from standardized elements [9].

3.2 Examples of Digital Patterns

In Applied pattern: In Frog Queen, the building’s skin was cladded with silk-
screen prints by a pixilated pattern of square panels, which generated by different sizes
of dots arrangement with various images, as flowers, or gear wheels. The building’s skin
was designed to generate shifting views of volume and texture, against the nearby site

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[15] as in Fig.1. Or Fritted glass in Ryerson University student center , the concrete
structure was cladded in digitally printed glass, with asymmetrical shapes, was intended
to frame views of the city, minimize solar heat gain, result in varying light conditions
within the building and give a different feel every time visiting the building [16] as in
Fig.2. Eberswalde, Herzog & de Meuron in their project Technical School Library, the
motifs were discovered photos by the artist Thomas Ruff in his private collection, that
related to the historical, cultural, geographical and symbolical context of the library. By
arranging those in the horizontal belts running around the façade, in an un-identical way
to look like stamped prints [17] as in Fig.3.

Fig.1. Frog Queen [15] Fig.2. Ryerson University Fig.3. Technical

student center [16] School Library [17]

In Perforated pattern: In 41 Cooper Square by Morphosis, a treatable building skin

made of perforated stainless steel panels offset from a glass and aluminum window wall;
these panels reduced the heat radiation impact during the summer and insulated interior
spaces during the winter, making the building more energy efficient [18] as in Fig.4.
While Longea Moena Parking, a modulated holes pattern was identified by a fractal
pattern texture of porosity with variable density rocks formed the necessary ventilation.

Fig.4. 41 Cooper Square Fig.5. Longea. Moena Fig.6. CA L’anita

[18] Parking [19] building [20]

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 Performative Architecture: Remarkable Facades' Pattern Effect on Architectural Performance

This "porosity" of the concrete during the night, will filter the light from inside,
became a strong identification and symbolic character [19] as in Fig.5. EXE
Architecture renovated CA L’anita cladding with polymer concrete panels, by a
combination of holes, form geometric figures with the same pattern of the original
mosaic that covered the floor [20] as in Fig.6. The irregularly shaped perforated pale
green cladding of university science institute by Cláudio Vilarinho, was inspired by the
tubular molecules that form solar panels. The facades comprised cast prefabricated
panels from a cement-based composite material that incorporated microfibers to give it
added strength [21] as in Fig.7. On large titanium sheet panels of Sfera building Kyoto
Japan, the cherry-leaf patterned facade was inspired via traditional Japanese screens of
bamboo, wood and paper that was photographed and processed through computer into
an abstract repeated pattern consisting of four differently sized holes, helps the building
changes appearance during the day [22] as in Fig.8.

Fig.7. University science institute [21] Fig.8. Sfera building Kyoto Japan [22]

In Layered pattern: Liverpool Insurgents Department Store by Rojkind Architects,

a “deep wall” system was inspired by Moiré patterns and optical art, the façade consisted
of a three-layer multi-sized hexagon system in fiberglass, steel, aluminum and glass [23]
as in Fig.9. Faulders Studio provided in Airspace Tokyo shading and reflecting of
excess light away from the building, the skin existed as a thin interstitial environment
of several layers. The overlaying of layers of the porous, open-celled meshwork changed
densities of light rays as it moved across the façade [24] as in Fig.10. In John Lewis
Department Store and Cineplex, the two layers of skin have been designed as a patterned
fabric, that formed four panels of varying density, with printed pattern directly aligned
in a flawlessly way to give the building's bulk a "layered transparency" by its variable

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densities and changes as the sun moves. The screen acted as a sunshade that might
provide a bonus environmental performance [25] as in Fig.11.

Fig.9. Liverpool Insurgents Fig.10. Airspace Tokyo Fig.11. John Lewis

Department Store [23] [24] Department Store [25]

In Formed and Cast pattern: Dior Flagship Store exterior panels feature a
sculptural white facade, which was inspired by the shapes and movement of the fabrics
in Dior’s fashion collection. These panels were made from GFRP [26] as in Fig.12. In
addition, Living Madrid by Wiel Arets architects, the pre-cast concrete façade panels
were cast in a textured mould which captures the sun glaring to form a play of light and
shadow changing, that made the building in constant motion [27] as in Fig.13.

Fig.12. Dior Fig.13. Living Fig.14. Vitra Fig.15. Mornington

Flagship Store Madrid by Wiel Haus, 40 Bond Centre [29]
[26] Arets [27] Street [28]

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 Performative Architecture: Remarkable Facades' Pattern Effect on Architectural Performance

Likewise, in the Vitra Haus, 40 Bond Street, a three-dimensional gate from four
basic bodies were made of aluminum, which blended together in varying combinations
[28] as in Fig.14. As well, Lyons in Mornington Centre was cladded with bricks
embossed with a contoured timber grain digital design, to make it appears ‘timber-like’
which was rendered in brick [29] as in Fig.15.
While in Stacked and Tiled Pattern: Frank Gehry's applied this technique in
{UTS}, that the "crumpled paper bag" formed by 320 thousand individual molded bricks
referencing the honorable sandstone of Sydney’s urban heritage. To form curves and
folds like soft fabric and ‘fluid’ appearance of the brickwork, there were five types of
modified bricks were made especially [30] as in Fig.16. Estar Móveis shop in São Paulo,
a honeycomb inspired facade full of hexagonal shapes, allowed a better solution for
planes and curves situation [31] as in Fig.17. Also, Spanish Pavilion, Expo 2005, was
constructed as a vaulted bubble to reflect the fusion between Christian and Islamic
architecture, it was designed with a non-repetitive pattern using six hexagonal ceramic
tile pieces (like many gothic and Islamic traceries), each of which were differently
shaped and coded with a different color, resulted in an apparently a non-repetitive
pattern, either in solids or openings [32] as in Fig.18.

Fig.16. (UTS) by Frank Gehry [30] Fig.17. Estar Móveis shop [31]

Also, in Winery Gantenbein, façade looks like an enormous basket filled with
grapes. The viewer was surprised that the soft, round forms with varying diameters were
actually composed of individual, hard bricks. There was a dramatic play between
plasticity, depth and color, dependent on the viewer’s position and the angle of the sun.
The robotic production method enabled to lay each one of the bricks according to
programmed parameters at the desired angle. The joints between the bricks were left

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open to create transparency and allow daylight to trickle into the building [33] as in
Fig.19.

Fig.18. Spanish Pavilion, Expo 2005 [32]. Fig.19. Winery Gantenbein [33].

4. INFLUENCED FACTORS ON PATTERN DESIGN’S ARCHITECTURAL

PERFORMANCE

4.1 Structural Performance Pattern

Concept: the chosen structure system may influence on the façade’s form. Some
architects might use the structure system itself either a main structure or substructure,
which performed a unique role of the façade pattern design.
Examples: As a main structure the TOD’S Omotesando Building had an exterior
surface served as both graphic pattern and structural system, and was composed of
300mm-thick concrete and flush-mounted frameless glass. Trees are organisms stood
by themselves, so it composed of overlapping tree silhouettes, therefore their shape has
an integral structural rationality [34] as in Fig. 20. Or as a substructure, the Diagonal
ZeroZero Tower office building facades changed with every angle. The facade was a
modular curtain wall made of white aluminum profiles and extra transparent glass with

Fig.20. TOD’S Omotesando [34] Fig.21. ZeroZero Tower [21]

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 Performative Architecture: Remarkable Facades' Pattern Effect on Architectural Performance

white paint ceramic, according to the vertical pattern that reinforced the slimness
of the building, it gave diffusion of solar light and glare control inside to generate great
quality of interiors perception [12] as in Fig.21.

4.2 Environmental Performance Pattern

4.2.1 Light effect
Concept: Light was a performance factor that enabled visual evaluation to study
the impact of skin geometry and scale position on light penetration [11], that provided
new meanings and images to the buildings. Lighting needed to be ambient and/or
directional with the ability to alternate during the day giving different patterns of use
[35]. There were several kinds of lighting or sources: public lighting {for public areas},
object lighting {observing architecture of the building, advertisement, illumination of
window exhibition in historic center} [6]. Accordingly, the surface will be sensitive to
both changing light conditions and changing view angles [10]. As a result, by the
lighting equipment development, lighting design used color variability, so the building
façade produced a different effect from the outside than from the inside [6].
Examples: In IGuzzini Illuminations via Mias Architects, the balloon-shaped
showroom appeared to be floating in the air, with ideological lighting concept helped to
create new evening scene, as in Fig. 22. And at the homogenous facade, but by night the
intense effects were acted in detail, as in London 2012 Games, Basketball Arena [6] as
in Fig. 23. Maison Folie building had partially transparent skin produces varying
patterns as one move along it. This dynamic display of light was a primary performative
dimension, as in Fig. 24. In Kunsthaus Graz, light and media installation designed by
realities was inserted behind the acrylic glass layer to create a “communicative pre-

Fig.22. IGuzzini Illuminations [6] Fig.23. Basketball Arena, London

2012 Games [6].

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programmed {determined} or in response to environmental changes {indeterminate,

interactive} membrane” as in Fig. 25. [36].
While in Sheffield car park, the façade pattern had an irregular texture was
created via an optical illusion. The used metallic elements appeared as irregular ones
while they are all the same. The result was a light and shadow effect which was
apparently more obvious at night [37] as in Fig.26. Also, Facade Liverpool by Iñaki
Echeverria, have combined five types of helically precast concrete parts. Each rotated
180° on its own axis that created numerous results for each piece to provide a unique
image for the facade. By changing the light during the day, and artificial lighting at
night, gave the facade a spirited color and changing image [38] as in Fig.27.

Fig.24. Maison Folie [36]

Fig.25. Kunsthaus Graz Fig.26. Sheffield car park Fig.27. Facade Liverpool by
[36] [37] Iñaki Echeverria [38]

4.2.2 Kinetic solar shading effect

Concept: integrated shading system used to block solar heat gain and reduce
energy consumption to control the joining shading system geometry. Shading systems
consisted of several layers from designed patterns either 2D or 3D ones that provide
different shading percentage by adjusting patterned layers to allow shading grades
control [39]. The performative architecture in kinetic effects was creating an architecture
of vision, that building’s skin could modify dynamically its shape in response to various
environmental influences. This building’s skin dynamic performance could be either

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 Performative Architecture: Remarkable Facades' Pattern Effect on Architectural Performance

Examples: In SDU Campus Kolding, was a three-dimensional change in the

facade pattern by modifying the climate change, via dynamic solar shading adjusted to
the existing climate conditions along the façade. The solar shading system consisted of
perforated steel triangular shutters with round holes’ organic pattern, that abled to adjust
to daylight changing intensity with sensors, to provide a unique play in the façade on
the outside beside a dynamic performance of light on the inside. [40] as in Fig. 28. The
eastern side of Brisbane’s Domestic Terminal car park appeared to wave fluidly as the
wind activates by 250,000 suspended aluminum panels that responded to the ever-
changing patterns of the wind. The façade created a direct interface between the built
and natural environments and provided practical environmental benefits such as shade
and natural ventilation for the interior [41] as in Fig. 29.

Fig.28. SDU Campus Kolding [40]

Fig.29. Brisbane’s Domestic Terminal car park [41]

4.3 Aesthetic and Cultural Performance Pattern

4.3.1 Color effect
Concept: façade image color variation of day and night presented an emphasis on
architecture creating its basic character and each façade unit sets of free choice [6].
Examples: LED color control were producing dynamic patterns as in the water
cube [6] as in Fig.30. While in Airport Miami, the existing glass panels were replaced
with colored ones in a diagonal pattern as a colored puzzle, and to continue the effect;
during night hours a series of computer-controlled LED lights were used [42] as in Fig.
31. With a mechanical function, building skin became adaptable in appearance to form

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an intelligent building façade. A layered skin had a field of various colored circles that
were of an elastic material, which could stretch or contract to expose or hide its particular
color from being visible. So the building facade could display different appearance of
color and pattern [43] as in Fig. 32.

Fig.30. water cube [6] Fig.31. Airport Miami [42] Fig.32. mechanical function
of color and pattern [43]

4.3.2 Advanced materials effect

Concept: available materials and computer aided fabrication machines played an
equally vital part on the design strategy, either traditional ones such as brick, fabric, and
glass or new ones as ETFE. For example, using of textile membranes and foils in the
building envelope was becoming more popular. With lots of new techniques by the
understanding of “tension” and patterns which developed when the shape was used to
transfer load and designing extremely complex surfaces [44]. Besides, flexible nature of
fabrics was being used in facades to create elements that moved to provide solar shading
[13].
Examples: In Studio House by CC-Studio, the PTFE {Teflon} coated fiberglass
fabric was cut into strips and placed as overlapping shingles and attached on supported
panels, that moved with the wind, creating a lively image. [45] as in Fig. 33. The social
and cultural center {KITA}, featured a bioclimatic façade was made of Soltis FT 381
membrane, that has specified as a result of its exceptional durability and dimensional
stability. To further emphasizing the building’s character, the façade was personalized
by quality digital printing protected by a UV resistant coating to ensure image durability
[46] as in Fig. 34. The mosaic-like pattern by aluminum composite panels on the

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Chihuahua Businessman Foundation helped to make the facade look different

during the day as daylight hitd at different angles, intensity and color [47] as in Fig.35.
4.3.3 Symbolic effect
Concept: different factors effected on the building’s skin concept, helped the
architect to give the building its personal feature by using certain terminologies got from
building nature, nearby environment or surrounding culture.

Fig.33. Studio House by CC- Fig.34. social and cultural Fig.35. Chihuahua
Studio [45] center (KITA) [46] Businessman Foundation
[47]

Examples: In Hazza Bin Zayed Stadion Al Ain, exterior palm bole façade
consisted of a steel diagrid structure with membrane panels orientated individually,
giving the façade the appearance of the palm bole segments. At night the white
membrane panels were illuminated in various colors by LED units that were mounted
to each diagrid steel node [13] as in Fig.36. In Faculty of Engineering, Sheffield

Fig.36. Hazza Bin Zayed Stadion Al Ain Fig.37. Faculty of Engineering, Sheffield
[13] University [48] [49]

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University, diamond simple glass envelope was applied outside the diagonal grid of
aluminum extrusions, with some blank "cells", and some closed opaque panels [48].
Citation to the "cellular automata" model was used in the faculty to describe
changes in the microstructure of the steel production process [49] as in Fig. 37.
Whereas in Dior Miami Facade, it respected its commercial nature, under the
light the sculptured white volume shown its cut. Through large curved movements of
white concrete, clear figures of the “plissée” take shape, made of ultra-high-density
concrete with marble powder along with an idea of dynamism, youth, and contemporary
design [50] as in Fig. 38. SOM designed Muqarnas Tower, the commercial office
building for King Abdullah Financial District with a façade inspired by the traditional
“muqarnas” vaulting technique to provide the needed shading in the Saudi Arabian
climate. The massing and skin concepts for the tower were driven by solar performance,
the structure of metal panel types of variable finishes created a shining mosaic that
changed appearance as the sun moves across the sky [51] as in Fig. 39. House 77 by K-
architectures got its personality from stainless steel panels, perforated with the “siglas
poveiras” symbols that used as a communication way and to mark personal and fishing
belongings, shared some of the city's memories [52] as in Fig. 40. Likewise, in Saint
Nazaire Theater, the building was stamped with a perforated floral pattern derived from
motifs of 17th-century silk textiles. That smooth in parts shaped in others, the cement
facades were made using two types of procedure “cast in place” for the smooth parts,
and prefabricated for panels with perforated by decorative patterns [53] as in Fig. 41.

Fig.38. Dior Miami Façade Fig.39. Fig.40. House 77 [52] Fig.41. Saint
[50] Muqarnas Nazaire
Tower [51] Theater [53]

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 Performative Architecture: Remarkable Facades' Pattern Effect on Architectural Performance

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results: By investigating the façade’s design pattern effect on the architecture

performance, considering its benefits on the building appearance, and stressing on its
various features that gave the main idea of the façade design, it appeared that there were
variable colorations between the five types of digital pattern through the three levels of
architecture performance. It is not only an expression of the function of façade pattern
design but also an overall impact on the building performance, Table (3).

Table 3 The emerged collerations between pattern and performance levels [Author]

Digital Patterns
Applied Perforated Layered Cast Tiled
Patterns Patterns Patterns Patterns patterns
Main
Architectural Performance

Structural structure
Performance Sub-
structure
Physical Light
Levels

Environment
Performance Kinetic
Color
Aesthetic
Advanced
and Cultural
material
Performance
Symbolic

Discussion: By comparing the basic architectural performance levels with digital

pattern types, there were many relations emerges. From pattern type point of view, the
cast pattern had a noticeable effect on all of the three levels of performance, especially
in the structural performance. Followed by the perforated pattern that achieved all sides
in both physical environment performance and aesthetic and culture performance
factors. Then the layered pattern has just accomplished two factors in both physical and
aesthetic performance respectively. The same was in tiled pattern, while the applied
pattern had an effect only on the aesthetic performance.

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On the other hand, from the architectural performance point of view, the aesthetic
and culture performance was the most performance could be attained by all five patterns,
especially through symbolic and advanced materials factors respectively. Followed by
the physical environment performance could be achieved by only three patterns;
perforated (the most one), layered and cast patterns respectively. While the structural
performance could be achieved only by the cast pattern.

Fig.42. Digital facades pattern relation with architecture performance levels [Author]

In Figure 42, the pattern types could be arranged in a descending order, according
to its impact on the architecture performance levels. Starts with the cast pattern,
perforated pattern, then tilled pattern, layered pattern and finally applied pattern. Also,
the three levels of architecture performance could be arranged in relation to its affect by
the digital pattern type; aesthetic and cultural performance then physical environment
performance and finally the structural performance.

20
 Performative Architecture: Remarkable Facades' Pattern Effect on Architectural Performance

6. CONCLUSION

 The architectural design potential was studying forms and how to produce a
primary idea for facades pattern design creating a pattern that covered the entire building
façades structural, environmental and aesthetic requirements. The relationship between
form, meaning, and performance generated new design methodologies especially in
facades pattern design.
 Certain materials allowed complex architectural patterns that could affect the
physical and environment performance, such as the material formed tensile construction
shapes, which acted like an artwork in day and night, made buildings in continually
motion, or concrete in cast pattern both had a noticeable effect on the light factor.
 Either identical or different individual parts were combined together into a larger
composite, and surfaces or patterns. Pattern could give a different impression of
materials such that of hard materials appeared soft as in some shapes of concrete or
composites.
 Future directions for pattern design development were digital methods and
techniques that coupled performance principles with geometry related to form
principles, structures and materials to obtain the desired pattern that fulfilled the required
facades performance.

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‫أن ا ال اجهات على اﻷداء ال ع ار‬ ‫ تأث‬:‫أداء الع ارة‬

،‫ي مﻼمح ال ى‬ ‫ة على اﻷداء ال ع ار ل‬ ‫ال اجهة ال‬ ‫ت ـ ـ ــ‬ ‫ت ض ـ ـ ــح ه ه ال ارس ـ ـ ــة تأث‬
‫ال اجهة‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت ـ‬ ‫ م خﻼل د ارسـة تأث‬.‫ب اسـ ة م اق ـة لﻸداء م ال اح ة اله ل ة وال ة وال ال ة‬
‫اﻷن ا م خﻼل‬ ‫ ث دور د ارس ــات اﻷداء في ت ـ ـ‬،‫اﻷن ا ال ق ة‬ ‫ت ــ‬ ‫ب اسـ ـ ة د ارس ــة خ ــائ‬
.‫ة ب ه ا‬ ‫العﻼقة ال ئ‬ ‫ارة ل ق‬ ‫ال الة ال‬ ‫ م خﻼل دراسات ل ع‬،‫اﻻساس ة‬ ‫ات ال ق‬ ‫م‬

23