Arash Yazdizad - Department of Architecture, Energy, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, University of Tehran
Firooze Rezaei - Faculty of architecture, IAU, University of Science and Research-Tehran
Foad Faizi - Department of Architectural Technology, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University

In recent years, the use of double skin façades has been common throughout the world, because of their characteristics such as durability, easy circulation of fresh-air, use of natural resources, transparency, and their capability to reduce energy consumption. Double glass façade systems are performed increasingly in high buildings, designed by famous Architects, and being touted as a praiseworthy green” building strategy. This paper present characteristics and classification of double skin facades, and their advantages and disadvantages in order to clarify whether or not these systems represent a valid approach to energy efficient and sustainability in building or are just an architectural fad. Finally we conclude that double skin façade systems create transparency combining indoor environment with decrease energy use, and they are initiate point to convert height rise buildings into the sustainable architecture domain.

Double skin facade, Natural ventilation, sustainability, energy efficiency