Preface

Façade design is a challenging task in which multidisciplinary issues and aspects should be optimally considered and addressed. The primary reason for this is that multiple objectives are required for these building systems, from several points of view. This is especially the case for building façades that are expected to act as physical barriers and protect the occupants from extreme occurrences, such as seismic events, impacts, or fire. The use of special monitoring and technologies could be required for the residual capacity assessment of existing façades. Special attention and major efforts are also required for the detection and application of new technologies in the generation of modern, adaptive façade systems and building envelopes.

In this regard, to support the assessment and refinement of new strategies, technologies, trends, and challenges of façade design, this book presents a selection of research contributions from international scholars and façade experts, in which the aforementioned aspects are investigated by means of experimental methods, finite element modelling strategies, application of new technologies, and development of innovative design concepts. This book is designed for researchers and scholars as well as professionals in the field.

The selected book chapters are the results of recent research efforts of several authors as well as the support and input from a team of experts on the topic. We gratefully acknowledge the authors and reviewers for sharing their time and experience.

As editor of this book, I would like to thank my co-editors Prof. Marcin Kozłowski (Silesian University of Technology, Poland) and Asst. Prof. Mislav Stepinac (University of Zagreb, Croatia), for their fruitful scientific collaboration and for our long-term networking in the fields of structural engineering, dynamics, structural glass, and building façades.

> **Chiara Bedon** Associate Professor, Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

> > **Marcin Kozlowski** Associate Professor, Department of Structural Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland

#### **Mislav Stepinac**

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia Section 1
