Façades are evolving into hybrid systems—combining glass with solid, earthy materials and integrated shading devices, observes Aayush Arya, Founder & Principal Designer, 6Hues Architecture Studio.
Climate-sensitive façade design with use of materials known for their thermal mass, durability, and connection to the place, is defining contemporary architecture.Aayush Arya, Founder & Principal Designer, 6Hues Architecture Studio.
Façade and fenestration design in India has made a decisive shift from the long-dominant glass-heavy, Western-inspired aesthetic, when architects across the country began to critically reassess the viability of fully glazed façades in India’s harsh climatic conditions. High solar exposure, heat gain, and increased cooling loads have made it evident that transparency alone could not define contemporary architecture.
As the industry progresses, this shift is becoming more refined and technologically integrated. High-performance systems like double-glazed units (DGU) are now being adopted more widely, balancing transparency with insulation and comfort. At the same time, façades are evolving into hybrid systems—combining glass with solid, earthy materials and integrated shading devices. A key emerging direction is the incorporation of dynamic lighting within façades, transforming buildings into adaptive, expressive surfaces after dark.
This convergence of material intelligence, environmental responsiveness, and technological innovation signals a future where façades are no longer static envelopes, but active, responsive elements of architecture.
