Cladding Design: Whose Responsibility?

Abstract

Cladding failures are on the rise. First, a consolidated effort and sole responsibility are necessary for the successful and reliable performance of cladding. Second, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there must be a rational basis for cladding design. Engineered solutions are sorely needed for the following traditional aspects of cladding: durability and integrity of cladding materials, and the design and analysis of cladding and its connections to the structural frame. It is imperative that the concepts involved in these engineered solutions are taught to architectural students and conveyed to practitioners. Most importantly, these solution must be disseminated in the form of design standards and guidelines presented in engineering formats. Described in this paper are some of the issues involved to trying to develop engineered solutions, as well as recommendations for the introduction of “principles of cladding” into education and practice.