Folded-BISC: a parametric design approach to building integrated solar collectors

The paper discusses an innovative multi-functional façade system with building-integrated solar collectors (BISC) that generates on-site renewable energy, is highly energy efficient, and produces a new vocabulary for sustainable construction. The work includes a preliminary evaluation of the system applied to a doubleskin unitized curtain wall for a re-cladding project on a high-rise building in New York City. The study presents a workflow implementing the latest digital parametric tools, pairing environmental analysis with geometric form finding, so that factors such as solar irradiation, sun angle and sun shading inform a novel and differential façade system tailored to its environment and orientation. Preliminary energy analysis shows approximately 48.5% energy savings, resulting from both the interactive effects of individual energy conservation measures, sun control, and the production of electricity from façade integrated photovoltaics, fulfilling the target of a net-zero lighting retrofit for a Class-A office building.