STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

10.2.2 FaçadeDesigner; the Methodology
FacadeDesigner is the focal methodology developed from this thesis with the intent of
diffusing structural glass façade technology into a broader market. It is conceived as a
comprehensive method for the implementation of structural glass façade technology. The
primary intent was to map the process. The implementation of the process itself is beyond
the scope of this thesis. Instead, certain key aspects of the method have been developed as
prototypes to demonstrate viability. The method attempts to simplify a complex process of
design and construction. It thus embodies a full range of process considerations from
concept development through construction and lifecycle maintenance.
Remaining Work
FacadeDesigner as presented in Chapter 7 is only partially complete. Only the
StructureDesigner, StructureExplorer, and GlassExplorer modules have been prototyped.
Much of FacadeDesigner will act as a front and back end for the Microsoft Visual Basic
program of which StructureDesigner is a part. The glass elements of the module are
incomplete. Output is currently limited to what is available from the StructureDesigner
analysis form. The output for FacadeDesigner requires the development SpecBuilder, left for
future work.
A help system needs to be built for the entire system.
Testing
Limited testing was undertaken only on the active systems within the StructureDesigner
module and with a learning program documented in Chapter 9. A testing program should be
developed and testing commenced when the whole system prototype is complete. Beta
testers could be identified from FacadeDesigner.com, and especially from the live
presentation programs to select architectural offices as part of the AIA/CES program. An
interesting experiment would be to sponsor a 2-hour workshop comprised of a 30-minute
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