STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

Chapter 7 - Tools, Resources, and Concept
Development Methodology
The intent of this Chapter is to define a methodology for the development of the conceptual
design of a structural glass façade. The mapping of a comprehensive methodology is a
prime objective of this thesis, while the requirements of implementation are necessarily
limited to the development of those elements which can provide proof of concept. Both the
methodology and the design guidelines, tools and resources that support it are discussed
and contextualized in this Chapter, regardless of whether they have been developed as part
of this thesis.
The methodology developed here incorporates design tools, resources and guidelines as
relevant, and attempts to embody the content developed previously in this thesis. The scope
of this conceptual design process is discussed in Chapter 3. It does not coincide with the
conventional phases of schematic design, design development and contract documents that
the architect typically undertakes on design/bid/build projects. Concept development
involves activities comprising much of the schematic design phase and key components of
the design development phase. This is intended to be a simplified methodology that provides
the designer with a streamlined implementation process.
Figure 7.1 below attempts to map this methodology. The methodology is embodied in a
program referred to herein as FacadeDesigner. The reddish boxes represent process points
requiring user input. The colored circles represent various resource modules as described
herein and intended to facilitate the methodology.
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