STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

Figure 7.5 StructureExplorer Web page, early development.
7.3.3 DetailExplorer
The DetailExplorer module remains undeveloped, and is included in Chapter 11 as an
opportunity for future work. It is however, incorporated into the FacadeDesigner.com concept
as represented in Figure 7.2. Many of the details involved with structural glass facades,
particularly with the point-fixed glazing systems, are unique in their form, function, and the
considerations they embody. In fact, thesis work was recently completed at the University of
Southern California involving design guidelines for the development of details in point-fixed
glazing systems (Cheng 2007). This work could be incorporated into FacadeDesigner.com
with relative ease and to some significant benefit.
7.3.4 SpecBuilder
SpecBuilder is conceived as an expert system or wizard that facilitates the development of
an appropriate performance specification in response to user-defined parameters relating to
300