Mapping of LCA parameters as a tool for the design of sustainable cycle-based adaptive building skins

Life cycle assessment is broadly used as a verification tool in the last stages of the building design, posterior to the actual phase where decisions regarding building parts and components are made, failing to exploit its potential for designing a sustainable cycle-based synergetic architectural system. The method of comparing alternative building technologies is extensively adopted by many authors although LCA studies cannot be directly compared, due to differences in goal and scopes of the study, system boundaries and methodologies used. In the context of adaptive facade design additional key factors have to be considered. The paper presents therefore definitions and mapping of the main parameters characterising the Life cycle assessment of dynamic building skins in order to create a general framework and a supporting design method as an alternative to a case to case analysis. The outcome consists of a systematic mapping of LCA parameters, incorporated into the existing design models. It allows the assessment of complementary factors in adaptive building skins' design and their influence. Adopting a different approach to the LCA will hopefully support the creative design and innovation to go beyond the existing boundaries of current available technologies.