Fassade

A façade, the exterior face of a building, forms its primary visible surface and mediates between the interior and the environment. The term "Fassade" is used in German, while English texts typically use "façade" or "facade." The word derives from the French façade, which in turn comes from Italian facciata and Latin facies (face).

Functions include protection from weather, control of daylight and ventilation, thermal and acoustic insulation, and the articulation of architectural style and identity. Façades can be load-bearing or non-load-bearing, and may employ structural elements hidden behind cladding or expressed in the building's outer skin. Openings for doors and windows are integrated to balance light, view, and energy use. Materials range from traditional stone, brick, and stucco to modern glass, metal panels, and timber.

Historically, façades reflected prevailing architectural orders and proportions. In the 19th and 20th centuries, new technologies enabled curtain walls and decorative cladding. In contemporary practice, façades are often designed as energy-efficient envelopes, with ventilated façades, double-skin systems, and dynamic shading. Climate, urban context, and regulations influence design choices.

Conservation and regulation govern façades, especially for listed or historic buildings. Maintenance, fire safety, and performance standards affect material choices and repair methods. Façade design remains a central aspect of architectural expression and urban appearance.