In early facade design, project objectives, use, architectural intent, technical requirements and interfaces are brought together. Priedemann helps compare possible facade approaches early and make unresolved questions visible. This allows the project to establish a technical direction before details are fixed. The subjects developed further depend on the project stage and appointment.

Priedemann relates architectural intent to technical constraints, assesses options and makes important dependencies visible at an early stage. The outcome is a reliable basis for subsequent detailing, tendering or implementation. The required level of development depends on the project stage and agreed appointment.

During implementation, the coordinated facade design is developed further for construction. Priedemann can review details, interfaces, shop-drawing information, technical submissions and mock-ups against the agreed requirements. Deviations and unresolved points are documented and brought into the technical coordination process. Review depth and scope depend on the appointment.

Priedemann supports technical coordination during implementation and makes deviations or unresolved interfaces visible early. The technical review provides a clear basis for decisions and further coordination between the project participants. The review and support tasks undertaken by Priedemann are defined specifically for the project.

In operation, it becomes clear how a facade performs under real conditions. Condition, ageing, maintenance and observed issues indicate which questions may need closer investigation. Depending on the task, monitoring, a targeted technical investigation or a broader condition assessment may be appropriate. The right method depends on the question and the information available.

Priedemann structures the technical question, assesses available information and observations, and identifies possible causes or information gaps. The findings support decisions about maintenance, repair, operational adjustment or further investigation. Where requirements change fundamentally, they may also provide a starting point for revitalisation.

Revitalisation begins with understanding the existing facade. Its construction, condition, known damage, previous changes and available documentation are compared with future use and with technical, energy-related, architectural and operational requirements. This allows strategies for retention, repair, upgrading, partial replacement or renewal to be developed and considered against the project objectives.

Priedemann relates condition and existing-building information to future requirements and makes possible approaches comparable. Facade consultancy structures objectives and decisions, while engineering develops technical solutions that respond to retained components and interfaces. The outcome is a clear basis for subsequent design and implementation. Revitalisation does not automatically mean complete replacement.

This is where forward-looking, resource-efficient facade solutions are created to meet the challenges of the 21st century – from energy-efficient construction to BIM. Interdisciplinary research meets construction practice – current topics flow directly into real projects.

The Facade-Lab is Priedemann’s link between routine planning, research & development and knowledge transfer. Here we develop facade solutions that meet the complex challenges of the 21st century with resource-saving, forward-looking and intelligent answers.

Ever-higher demands on the performance of the facade to provide protection against heat or cold: The rapid increase in construction activity in regions with extreme climatic conditions and the simultaneous scarcity of natural resources in particular call for technically advanced solutions in the field of energy-efficient and sustainable construction. Against this background, it is becoming increasingly important to consider and develop construction projects right from the outset with regard to their entire life cycle. Digital technologies like BIM (Building Information Modelling) make an essential contribution here.

The Facade-Lab is dedicated to these challenges with its broad interdisciplinary research and development work. The close connection with our planning and construction practice constantly creates new tasks. The solutions developed in the lab can thus be put directly into practice. In addition to parametrics and digitization, current research topics include, for example, component- integrated photovoltaic thin-film modules, automated facade cleaning systems, prestressed glass supports, glazing with integrated LED conductor strands, exhaust air facades for reducing cooling and heating power, and control modules for complex facade functions.