Role and Factors of Solar Façades Shaping in Contemporary Architecture

The article deals with the issue of solar facades as the main external walls of a building, adapted to make use of solar energy. The aim of the article is to define the role of the facades and the factors that influence shaping thereof. The goal is of cognitive nature, whereas its implementation may contribute to strengthening the relationship between presumptions related to energy and architecture in the design of buildings. The need for the article results from the necessity to search for a possible balance between technical and humanistic spheres while shaping contemporary pro-ecological architecture, especially one aimed at receiving solar energy as a renewable energy source. In the article, both analytical and comparative methods are applied. The research was conducted on the example of four designs with solar facades of different characteristics, including two buildings planned by the author. The research results are observations that define relationship between the energy-related role of solar facades and urban, functional and aesthetic issues. These observations lead to the conclusion that the energy aspect, is not the only one to be considered while shaping solar facades in contemporary architecture. The solar facade combines both functional and artistic features.