The Impact of Digital Design on Façade Performance: A Literature Review
SIGMA JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND NATURAL SCIENCES, vol.2, no.44, pp.1540-1559, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 2 Issue: 44
- Publication Date: 2026
- Journal Name: SIGMA JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND NATURAL SCIENCES
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Directory of Open Access Journals
- Page Numbers: pp.1540-1559
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Advancements
in technology and interdisciplinary collaborations have driven architectural
innovations, enhancing design efficiency through new materials and construction
systems. Despite these developments, pre-construction performance assessment
remains crucial, making digital design methods and performance analysis
software essential for optimization. This study examines the role of digital
design in improving façade performance for sustainable architecture. A
systematic review of 96 studies from the Web of Science (WOS) database was
conducted, analyzing trends using bibliometric methods (VOSviewer) and content
analysis. Findings show that most research focuses on daylight, energy
efficiency, and solar radiation, while ventilation, indoor environmental
quality, and acoustics remain underexplored. Digital twin applications and
AI-driven façade optimizations have gained prominence. Simulation methods
dominate (65.6%), with Rhinoceros and Grasshopper being the most used tools.
Only 58.3% of studies received funding, with China leading in article count and
support. This study provides a structured classification of façade performance
criteria and digital tools, identifying research gaps, particularly in
ventilation and cooling performance. By highlighting underrepresented areas, it
extends beyond prior efforts, offering a roadmap for future studies to advance
digital façade design through a more comprehensive and multidisciplinary
approach.