Two of the judges involved for this year??s FAÇADES2015 competition organised by the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) and sponsored by Reynaers Aluminium, have offered their comments on the competition and what would-be entrants should consider when submitting their projects.
The judging panel includes some of the world??s leading experts on the subject of façades engineering and design, all of whom have declared their commitment to advancing the discipline through the competition. Chris Macey MBA, FSFE Chairman of the Panel, Chairman of Wintech Group and founder of the competition in 2013 said: ?With the façade being one of the most expensive parts of a building construction and the primary environmental modifier it is only right that the scientific and engineering expertise needed to deliver this fundamentally important element of the construction of modern building is properly appreciated.
?The SFE competition provides the only real opportunity for international examples of excellence to properly recognised by an industry wide peer??s and judges welcome all entries regardless of size of the project or technologies employed.??
Dr David Metcalfe BSc, MScFE and Director of the Centre for Window & Cladding Technology at Bath University advised: ?During the judging I hope to see façades which are exciting and innovative in their design, use of materials, or technologies. That doesn??t necessarily mean the biggest or most expensive; rather the project that best resolves the complex and often conflicting requirements of a modern façade. In short, I am looking for some proper façade engineering.??
Chairman of the SFE Graham Dodd, BEng CEng MIMechE FSFE and Global Materials Leader for Arup, added his comments: ?The variety of requirements, budgets and forms is nearly as wide as the diversity of people working in the profession but all are united by their goal of achieving Quality in this crucial element, which for many people defines a building. It is obvious when a façade has it but impossible to define or formulate. When rational evaluation and emotional reaction are both positive, then I believe Quality exists.
?So, this year the Façade of the Year Competition has been expanded to encourage the widest variety of entries, because Façade Engineers achieve Quality in all sorts of circumstances.??
Entries for three awards are being invited: Façade of the Year 2015-New Build; Façade of the Year 2015??Refurbishment; and an additional category Outstanding Façade Innovation 2015. The winners will be presented in December 2015 at the prestigious Glass Supper conference the venue for which this year is the celebrated ??Sky Garden?? in the City of London.
Entries must be received by 2nd November 2015 and those shortlisted will be notified by 21st November 2015.
Image: One Central Park Towers was a finalist in the 2013 SFE Façades Competition.
