The third edition of the Performance-Based Façade Design (PBFD) conference arrives in Venice this September, promising three days of insight, innovation, and international collaboration at the intersection of technology and nature. Hosted at the historic Auditorium Santa Margherita and featuring off-site activities across the Veneto region, PBFD 2025 will unite leading architects, engineers, developers, researchers, and industry pioneers to explore how advanced technologies and natural elements are shaping the future of building envelopes.
Day 1: Seminar
Technology Meets Nature
PBFD 2025 will open with a seminar dedicated to the theme “Technology Meets Nature,” setting the stage for a rich exploration of how digital innovation and natural systems can work together to create high-performance, sustainable façades. Angela Mejorin, the event curator, will introduce the PBFD Advisory Group, outlining the initiative’s evolving vision and the key themes that will guide this year’s gathering.
Keynote: Zaha Hadid Architects-Design Driven Innovation
Michele Pasca di Magliano of Zaha Hadid Architects will deliver the opening keynote, drawing on his experience with globally recognized projects. He will demonstrate how advanced technologies can merge with natural systems, creating sustainable and iconic urban architecture that bridges the gap between innovation and craftsmanship.
Revolutionizing Architectural Design with 3D-Bent Tempered Glass
Joan Tarrús from Sedak will present breakthroughs in 3D-bent tempered glass, highlighting how doubly-curved, heat-strengthened glass and energy-efficient coatings are enabling bold, dynamic façades. Sedak’s proprietary technology is pushing the boundaries of glass design, offering architects new creative possibilities.
Sustainable Solutions for Laminated Safety Glass
Ingo Stelzer of Kuraray will introduce a new classification system for assessing the carbon footprint of laminated glass, including innovative materials such as recycled PVB and bio-based components. He will also unveil Kuraray’s AI-based software for optimizing sustainable glass configurations, demonstrating how structural interlayers can reduce glass thickness and embodied carbon.
Smart Technology and Biobased Innovation in Next-generation Timber Façades
Laura Craft from Staticus will showcase the Hybrid Unitised Façade (HUF) system, which replaces traditional aluminium profiles with engineered timber, reducing embodied carbon by up to 65%. She will discuss the integration of real-time sensor networks for predictive maintenance and the exploration of Danish willow as a fast-growing, sustainable material for façade systems.
Bringing Terracotta Craftsmanship to a City Skyline
Massimo Colombari of Simeon will delve into the revival of terracotta as sustainable façade material. He will present a high-rise project in New York by City by Selldorf Architects and Frank Seta, that combines high-performance façades with terracotta, demonstrating how traditional materials can meet modern performance standards. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to view a mock-up of this system during the off-site tour.
Stainless Steel Façade Panels in Silicon Valley
Stephen Katz from Gensler will discuss the use of stainless steel panels in the 200 Park project in San Jose. He will address the challenges of solar heat gain, glare control, and structural integrity in high-rise façades, while highlighting the material’s durability, low maintenance, and reduced embodied carbon.
An Experiment in Non-Electric Dynamic Shading
Caroline Kruit from Metadecor will introduce SOMBRA, a dynamic shading system powered by air-driven soft robotics. This adaptive aluminium skin responds to sunlight without electricity, optimizing energy efficiency and comfort. SOMBRA’s debut at the Venice Architecture Biennale marks a world-first in soft robotics for façades.
The Cold, Hard Facts: Achieving Beauty, Durability, and Daylight North of 60
Peter Dushenski of GlasCurtain will explore façade design for Arctic and subarctic climates, balancing thermal efficiency with daylight access and human well-being. He will share innovations in glazing and framing that enable beautiful, resilient buildings even in extreme environments.
A Borosilicate Cast Glass Museum Façade – Design and Development Journey
Agnes Koltay of Koltay Facades will present the Misk Art Institute Museum in Riyadh, focusing on the challenges and triumphs of developing a complex borosilicate glass façade in a harsh desert climate. Her keynote will inspire with lessons on merging technology, artistry, and cultural identity in façade engineering.
Grand Finale: Palazzo Nani Bernardo
The conference’s first day will culminate in a Grand Finale at the elegant Palazzo Nani Bernardo. This evening gathering will offer a relaxed and inspiring setting for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and foster new collaborations. The Grand Finale is a highlight of PBFD, reinforcing the event’s spirit of community and shared vision for the future of façade design.
Day 2: Debates
Façades as Drivers for Sustainable Developments
The second day shifts focus to the broader role of façades in sustainable development, featuring interactive debates and panel discussions. Professor Mikkel K. Kragh of Aarhus University will open the day, emphasizing the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and setting the agenda for a day of forward-thinking discussion.
Climate Change Working Group Address
Marino Mazzon of the Order of the Engineers of Venice will highlight the urgent need for sustainable engineering practices in the face of climate change, underscoring the critical role of engineers in driving environmental progress.
The Future of Performance-Based Façade Design
Angela Mejorin will provide a strategic overview of PBFD’s growth and future direction, emphasizing global engagement and multidisciplinary collaboration as keys to advancing façade innovation.
Think R-IOT: Saving Natural Resources Through Predictive Maintenance
Lars Anders from Priedemann will introduce the R-IOT concept, which leverages IoT and predictive maintenance to extend façade lifespans and promote circular economy principles. This award-winning approach demonstrates how continuous monitoring and modular design can deliver sustainability and longevity.
Panel: Façade Circularity in Practice – Strategies for Adaptive-Reuse Across Global Markets
A panel led by Eckersley O’Callaghan will feature directors from France, the USA, the UK, and Italy (respectively Mitsu Edwards, Damian Rogan, Lisa Ramming, and Alessandro Baldini). They will share best practices and real-world examples of circular design, adaptive reuse, and material reclamation in façade systems, highlighting both challenges and solutions across diverse markets.
Q&A Session
Professor Kragh will host a live Q&A, encouraging deeper engagement and discussion among participants.
Keynote: High-tech and Growing – Innovative and Sustainable Modern Façade Technology
Thomas Winterstetter of Werner Sobek will close the conference with a keynote on the latest advances in façade technology, focusing on dynamic, adaptable systems that meet the rising demands for energy efficiency and sustainability.
PBFD 2025 Day 3: Off-site Activities
A Journey Beyond Ideas and Into Taste
The final day offers a unique blend of technical exploration and cultural immersion. Attendees will embark on a guided tour, beginning at Simeon’s production facility to experience the latest in façade system manufacturing and craftsmanship. The journey will continue to Cantina De Stefani, where participants will have the opportunity to uncover the heritage of Veneto winemaking, enjoy vineyard and cellar tours, and sample local wines paired with traditional cuisine. This off-site experience will highlight the connection between innovation, tradition, and regional culture, offering fresh perspectives on the craft and context of façade engineering.
Performance-Based Façade Design 2025
PBFD 2025 is set to be a landmark event, bringing together the brightest minds in façade design to explore how technology and nature can unite for a more sustainable built environment. With a diverse programme spanning technical innovation, sustainability, circularity, and cultural heritage, this year’s conference promises inspiration, practical insights, and invaluable networking opportunities for all who attend.
Registration is now open
Secure your place in Venice and be part of the future of façade engineering!
Location
Auditorium Santa Margherita, Venice
Date & Time
September 11-13, 2025
https://www.performancebasedfacadedesign.org/registration
Facade Today is Media Partner of Performance-Based Facade Design 2025.
As part of this partnership, Facade Today supports the event with editorial coverage, digital visibility, and content amplification, helping ideas travel further across the facade engineering and architecture community.
Are you organizing an event related to façade design, smart materials, sustainable construction, or architectural innovation?
Let’s talk! We’re always open to media partnerships that align with our editorial mission and bring value to our readers.
Reach out to us at editor@facadetoday.com
We’d love to hear about your event.
