Metal constructed intelligent curtain wall systems

As reinforced concrete and steel skeleton systems developed, the walls especially the outer walls of the building which stopped bearing load, obtain the best relationship between outer and inner spaces as architectural needs. Curtain wall systems have been begun to be used as an alternative element to the outer walls by the prefabrication technology developed in tall buildings. The first examples of the curtain wall systems were used only for protecting the building from outer effects. But in time, the curtain wall systems have taken on other functions such as working like filtration element between the outer and inner spaces. As a result of this, sensible buildings toward nature are called as "intelligent buildings" which can adjust to outer environmental conditions, use renewable energy with purpose of obtaining comfort conditions in inner spaces. Most of functions that make a building intelligent are taken over by curtain wall. These functions are; protecting the building from outer effects, obtaining natural vantilation of the building, using energy efficiently, using the energy of sun e.tx. After energy crisiss which occured in 1970's, the countries began to change their energy policies toward using energy economically, in relation to this the principles of the curtain wall systems were developed. After this time, "intelligent facades" which are sensible to nature, using renewable energy sources and making natural vantilation are begun to be used. By using intelligent facades, the energy cost of the building for cooling, for heating, for lighting the building and for making vantilation are reduced. The buildings which are using renewable energy soueces are the theme of this study.VI In chapter 1, the theme of this study, content and aim is explained. Also the importance of using renewable energy sources is emphasized. In chapter 2, the defination of curtain wall and the historical development of curtain wall are investigated. Some of the classifications about curtain wall are studied. After that a news classification for curtain wall is proposed. In chapter 3, the classification which is newly proposed begin to be explained. The part of the new classification; the curtain walls which don't have added elements toward the control of weather conditions are explained. And also the materials that are used for the curtain wall is explained. In chapter 4, "the curtain walls that have added elements toward the control of the weather conditions is explained by examples. In chapter 5, intelligent facades is discussed. The defination of intelligent facades are discussed. And also the examples from other countries are investigated. In chapter 6, duble-skin intelligent facades is discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of the intelligent facades are studied on the examples. In chapter 7, the importance of the intelligent facades is emphasized. And the necessity of usage of the intelligent facades is emphasized. DOKÜMANTASYON MEKKHİ