Poli-Façades

Poli-Façades explores innovative building envelope systems through design research, digital modelling, and performance-based methodologies, supporting architects, engineers, and manufacturers in shaping responsible and advanced architectural solutions.

Summary

Poli-Façades is a research team dedicated to the study and development of innovative façade and cladding systems for contemporary architecture. With a strong emphasis on academic responsibility and polytechnic culture, the team engages in technology scouting, concept design, heuristic drawing, 3D modelling, and technical consulting. Their approach integrates digital fabrication, topology optimisation, and environmental performance simulation to support architects, manufacturers, and builders. Through collaboration with high-tech producers and on-site supervision, Poli-Façades promotes a design culture that is ethical, interdisciplinary, and forward-looking.

Poli-Façades is a research team engaged in scientific and innovative studies related to building envelopes and cladding systems, particularly in the context of complex architectures and specialised applications. The group focuses on morpho-typological, functional, and constructive systems by adopting new strategies and methodologies aimed at supporting architects, producers, and builders within the evolving framework of contemporary architecture.

Rooted in academic responsibility and a polytechnic culture, Poli-Façades promotes an ethical and scientifically grounded approach to architectural and engineering practices.

The team’s activities include:

  • Technology watch, involving ongoing analysis of experimental studies and real-world applications.
  • Concept design, developed in collaboration with professionals to support the early phases of building envelope system development.
  • Heuristic and technical hand drawing as a design and problem-solving tool.
  • Project reworking and optimisation, focusing on cost reduction and standard solution analysis.
  • Technical consulting and support for executive design, including the development of technical drawings and construction details.
  • 3D modelling of façade systems, components, and technical interfaces.
  • Topology optimisation, addressing the conception of envelope systems and junctions in 3D, tailored to performance expectations and manufacturing feasibility.
The research includes:
  • Performance-oriented modelling and executive simulation of physical, typological, and structural configurations.
  • Interoperability between structural, thermal, and environmental analysis tools.
  • Predictive simulations to optimise material usage, minimise energy consumption, and reduce environmental impact.
  • Collaboration with advanced manufacturers and skilled fabricators.
  • Technical direction, consulting, and on-site supervision during construction phases.

SCIENTIFIC COORDINATOR
Massimiliano Nastri



Associated researches

Modern Method of Construction

Examines flexible and decentralized production systems that support customization through digital design and adaptive manufacturing. The main concepts of mass customisation, supply chain management and distributed manufacturing are linked together to optimize material use, environmental impact and prefabrication in architectural design.|

Experimental Material Systems Design