The Importance of Façades in Architecture

All the buildings we see have taken planning and coordination to make them into their current stable structures. One of the most important parts of their architecture is the façade, which architects focus on when designing. These components have aspects in construction that require consideration for their role’s importance. Read on to learn the importance of façades in architecture.

What Is a Façade?

When you stand outside a building, you’re looking at the outer walls containing the interior. These outer walls are the façade and act as the exterior of the building, giving it shape to align with the interior.

A more general definition is the front face of a building, as that is how most people identify buildings. Still, as most buildings will have various entrances, it helps to consider the façade of the entire exterior.

Why Do Architects Focus on Façades?

As architects design buildings, they must consider how a person will react to the design. The building should look and feel sturdy without detracting from artistic designs.

The façade is the first impression of a building; good or bad, people will remember it. Therefore, the importance of the façade in architecture also comes from its impression on the people who visit the building, as the architect wants to ensure they enjoy it.

Essential Features of a Façade

Various elements make a façade the architectural structure it is. The façade’s layout will most likely include windows and doorways, which have designs that will make a collectively artistic structure. For example, architraves and other artistically designed door frames help create a façade that gives the building an elegant appearance.

Properly positioning a façade is also essential, as all buildings have multiple façades. The primary entrance is the first façade, while the second holds an additional entrance different from the primary.

The third and fourth façades are normally the side or rear entrances, and the fifth façade is the roof. Architects typically enhance rooftop designs with high-performance materials to ensure people remain safe while adding artistic value.

Types of Façades

Just as there are variations in a building’s design, every façade has certain types. The importance of the façade also stems from its styles, such as masonry involving stone and brick walls or a glass and steel façade system used for more modern designs. The various façades of the world will have a hand in how the building appears, as it will be the first impression the building gives passersby. The buildings need to be visually attractive to encourage visitors.

Façades are an important part of a building’s architecture and come in various shapes and sizes. Before you walk into a building, take a moment to admire the work that went into its design and understand that a building would not be as great without it.

By Dianne Pajo

Dianne Pajo is a writer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.