Fatade

Fatade, often anglicized as facade, is the exterior face of a building. It encompasses the visible outer surface and the architectural treatment of the building's envelope, including walls, openings such as doors and windows, and any cladding or decorative elements. The facade acts as the main interface between the interior and the environment, providing weather resistance, thermal control, daylight access, and visual expression.

A facade is composed of structural and non-structural elements. The exterior skin can be load-bearing or attached to a structural frame, using systems such as traditional brick or stone walls, glass curtain walls, metal panels, ceramic tiles, or composite claddings. Modern facades may include ventilated and double-skin systems, green living walls, or responsive facades with dynamic shading and integrated sensors.

Materials range from masonry, timber, metal, and glass to advanced composites and thin-film photovoltaics. Design considerations include climate and orientation, energy efficiency, daylighting, acoustic performance, fire safety, and maintenance. Facade performance is governed by local codes and standards, including insulation, airtightness, and fire resistance.

In historic architecture, facades are often preserved or restored as part of conservation efforts, balancing original appearance with upgraded performance. Maintenance entails cleaning, repainting, sealing joints, replacing damaged panels, and inspecting attachments and anchors.

The facade contributes to urban identity and streetscape, shaping perceptions of buildings and districts. Advances in recent decades include lightweight cladding systems, high-performance glazing, smart facades with adaptive shading, and ongoing exploration of sustainable and aesthetically flexible exterior enclosures.