On 3 and 4 November 2025, architects in Bern, Switzerland, can explore the latest trends in solar building envelopes as the Conference on Advanced Building Skins marks its 20th anniversary.
Façade as active system
Across numerous presentations, developers and researchers will share their findings and products, including solutions for integrating photovoltaic modules into façades and roofs. Innovative materials and energy-efficient design also feature prominently, covering topics that are increasingly shaping everyday architecture.
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The keynote will be delivered by James Timberlake, a Philadelphia-based architect with more than three decades of experience in active and passive façades and the development of new materials. He argues that façades have moved beyond purely aesthetic or passive roles to become active, energy-efficient systems. Increasingly, these incorporate advanced technologies such as photovoltaics, dynamic shading and intelligent materials.
Envelope as energy producer
Timberlake argues that the building envelope of the future will serve multiple functions. It will be slimmer, more energy efficient and adaptable, while evolving into an integrated system for energy generation, temperature regulation and information processing. The key challenge is scaling these innovations up to sustainable systems at both building and city levels, and ensuring that these new technologies are practical and cost-effective for integration into existing structures.
Maximising urban energy with PV facades
Focus on building integration
Speakers at the Kursaal Bern will explore how these advances can be realised, addressing themes ranging from intelligent planning of solar building envelopes, including the use of AI, to the aesthetic integration of different solar-active materials and strategies for scaling building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The programme will also consider challenges and solutions, extending beyond the installation of solar façades to include issues such as fire protection.
Sweden's largest solar façade up and running
The 20th Conference on Advanced Building Skins will be held on 3 and 4 November 2025 at the Kursaal Bern, Switzerland. The complete programme and registration details are available on the event website. (su)
