Multi-Criteria Analysis and Design Ideas of Green Façade Systems as Eco-Friendly Architectural Solutions

Abstract

The article discusses current trends in designing green and eco-friendly façades of buildings of different functions in Poland and around the world. Information collected on completed façade projects, associated research and conclusions formulated on the basis thereof, indicate trends and possibilities for the use of contemporary material solutions and technologies in designing various forms of vertical 'greenery’ which support sustainable development of urban areas. The main objective of the research was to identify the most important features of green façades as eco-friendly architectural solutions. A case study with descriptions of the features and qualitative elements of 100 of the most architecturally interesting buildings with characteristic external wall structures was constructed for research purposes. The sites selected for the case study represent a review of global trends. The data was then used for a multi-criteria analysis of green façade systems from the perspective of eco-friendly architectural solutions. The conducted research, analyses and discussions on solutions already in place were then implemented as guidelines for innovative architectural design solutions, which were presented at the Faculty of Architecture at Poznań University of Technology in the form of selected diagrams and student visualisations. These comprised highly aesthetic compositions, possible to implement in the near future.