What Is Facade in Architecture?

Definition

• A facade is the side of a building that faces the street. Corner buildings have two principal facades, while buildings standing next to one another generally have one principal facade. A building's facade is typically decorative or visually striking, although the term can mean any side of a building that faces the public or any space in front of the building that faces the public.

Types of Features

• Facade features vary by architect, governing style of the times and function. For example, commercial buildings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries shared common characteristics of having a capping feature at the roof level, evenly spaced and organized windows at the middle level and storefronts made mostly of glass at the lower level. Because the facade is usually the most visually striking aspect of the building, architects tend to use more elaborate and expensive building materials on the facade than those on the sides of the building that do not face the public.

Design Scheme

• Local government agencies may require architects to abide by certain guidelines and restrictions with regard to building facades within the city limits. Los Angeles, for example, has a "walkability checklist" architects need to follow. The goals of the checklist are to add and enhance visual interest in the buildings and the overall environment, create compatibility between the buildings and create a fun and safe place to visit.

Facade Examples

• Architects employ a number of techniques and styles when designing a building facade. The "Dancing House" in Prague, for example, has curving and bending lines and unevenly sized and spaced windows to create a fluid or moving scene. In contrast, the buildings along the Grand Canal in Venice are stately and imposing; the buildings use stone balconies in the middle level and arches on many of the windows.