Facades have always had many roles to play. They give buildings a face, protect them from the elements, and convey meaning. As art historian Wolfgang Kemp describes, facades serve as “places of public self-reflection in architecture.” This might sound like self-indulgent naval gazing, but it is crucial – particularly when renovating existing structures, where traditional materials are integrated into new contexts and architectural forms must adapt to modern demands. The examples presented in this issue highlight the merits of thoughtful facades

Facades have always had many roles to play. They give buildings a face, protect them from the elements, and convey meaning. As art historian Wolfgang Kemp describes, facades serve as “places of public self-reflection in architecture.” This might sound like self-indulgent naval gazing, but it is crucial – particularly when renovating existing structures, where traditional materials are integrated into new contexts and architectural forms must adapt to modern demands. The examples presented in this issue highlight the merits of thoughtful facades