Seminar on Durable Façades

The Seminar on Durable Façades opens the 4th edition of PBFD with a focused investigation into the longevity and resilience of building envelopes.
Global leaders will examine how technical innovation, material science, and climate realities converge to shape façade strategies that are future-proof, maintainable, and performance-driven.

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Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Life-cycle design and façade durability assessment

• Material weathering, corrosion, and ageing mechanisms

• Testing protocols and long-term performance monitoring

• Design for adaptability, circularity, and disassembly

• The role of digital tools (BIM, LCA, parametric modelling) in predicting durability

• Maintenance strategies and cost-performance optimization

• Policy frameworks and standards promoting durable design

• Case studies of refurbishment and adaptive reuse

Who should apply: developers, architects, engineers, consultants, researchers, and manufacturers interested in advancing the dialogue on durable façade design.

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Workshop on Façade Serviceability: Failures and Lessons Learned 

Experts willing to push the conversation further are invited to contribute to the Workshop on Façade Serviceability: Failures and Lessons Learned, a case-driven forum focused on real-world performance challenges and diagnostic insights.

Suggested topics include:

• Field investigations of façade serviceability issues (air/water infiltration, deflection, sealant deterioration, noise, condensation, etc.)

• Lessons learned from testing, monitoring, and commissioning of envelope systems

• Serviceability under wind-induced and thermal loads

• Interfaces between façade and structure: tolerances, movement, anchoring

• Rehabilitation and maintenance strategies for existing façades

• Insurance, liability, and performance-based specifications

The workshop encourages an open, multidisciplinary dialogue—combining design, engineering, and operational perspectives. PBFD has established a an editorial partnership and all speakers of the Workshop are invited to submit a technical paper, for a dedicated ASTM–PBFD Selected Technical Papers (STP) publication. 

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Curated Off-site Activities 

PBFD 2026 will once again feature a curated series of Off-site Activities, allowing participants to experience façade innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainable construction first-hand.

Participants and partners are invited to propose a site visit or guided tour, which may include:

• Visits to construction sites, factories, or laboratories showcasing advanced façade systems

• Tours of architecture masterpieces illustrating durability and material excellence in the Venetian or regional context

• Demonstrations of testing facilities, mock-ups, or full-scale experiments

• Encounters with restoration projects where heritage and performance meet

• Architectural itineraries highlighting innovative reuse of materials, adaptive design, or local craftsmanship

Proposals should include a brief description, location, and rationale for how the visit relates to the PBFD 2026 themes.​​

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Participation and Selection Criteria

Submissions will be reviewed by the PBFD Advisory Group. Selected authors and organizers will be invited to present their work during the event in Venice.

Please submit your abstract or activity proposal using the online Call for Abstracts Form by April 5th, 2026.

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For collaboration opportunities, please contact the curator, Angela Mejorin.