Face Value

Sure, you can’t judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to architecture, the facade is an inescapable measure of design quality. And in the last few years there has been an ever-growing variety of materials and applications available for exteriors. Of course, this isn’t just a question of looks. As clients demand more efficient buildings, architects must find glazing and facade solutions that will boost performance. For instance, ventilated rain screens, which have been commonplace in Europe for decades, are finally making inroads in North America, with companies like Trespa, Abet Laminati, and Boston Valley Terra Cotta offering the U.S. market some particularly creative options for colors and textures. This roundup of recent projects highlights the changing face of architectural design.