The SFE Hubs have continued their busy schedule of events, providing SFE members with engaging content on an international scale.
SFE Italy Hub
In March, the SFE Italy Hub hosted a technical presentation titled, ' 'Facade Design Meets Fire Safety'. The event was a huge success, and featured speakers including, Ing Claudio Giacalone, Chief of the Fire Brigade of the Como and board member of the National Corp of Fire Fighter, Prof. Ing. Paolo Rigone: professor of the course of Facade Engineering at the Politecnico in Milan. ng. Samuele Sassi, Fire Consultant - FSC Engineering, and Arch. Davide Galassi, Milan Technical Office Coordinator - Schüco Italia
The SFE Italy Hub have also continued to strenghen links with educational Institutions in Italy. Founding members of the SFE Italy Hub, Camilla Rigamonti, Chiara Tosi and Simone Starnini, held a lecture at the course of “Advanced Building Envelope Components” run by professor Paolo Rigone at the Politecnico di Milano.
The lecture focused on the role of façade engineers and included a variety of case studies to demonstrate how theoretical concepts in various disciplines (sustainability, building physics, mechanical engineering, etc.) turn into actual applications in the design and delivery of complex façade projects.
Earlier in the year, the SFE Italy Hub were also invited to hold a seminar on firesafety in facade engineering at the master in Fire Safety Engineering at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano run by professor Giovanni Pernigotto.
In May 2024, the SFE Italy Hub held their first Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually via Microsoft Teams. The meeting was well attended and was a great opportunity for members to meet the Committee, and discuss plans and ideas for the future.
SFE London Hub
The SFE London Hub kicked off the year with a technical presentation on the circularity of glass. The event consisted of an expert presentation followed by a panel discussion. David Entwistle, Director of Major Projects at Saint-Gobain Glass, presenting his recent MSC of Façade Engineering dissertation study on the circularity of glass. David was then joined by Graham Dodd of Arup and Neil Dobbs from Multiplex for a cross party debate on the obstacles and opportunities to increase glass recovery and circular re-supply.
In April, the SFE hosted their Annual General Meeting which was an opportunity for the SFE Board to report on their activity and future plans. The AGM was followed by a technical presentation by WSP on Paddington Square, Winner of Newbuild UK category at SFE Façade 2023 Design and Engineering Awards.
The Hub's most recent event was a walking tour around Battersea, cumulating with a trip up the Battersea Power Station Lift 109 experience, kindly supported by Kuraray. The sold-out event was hugely popular and a great opportunity for SFE members and individuals from across the industry to network and enjoy the impressive reopening of Battersea Power Station.
SFE North America Hub
The SFE hosted members and individuals from across industry for a tour of the Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg, New York. The tour focused on the novel facade solutions in this adaptive reuse project, including the monumental glazed vault made of four-bay mega panels, heat-curved glass with shading frit and steel outriggers through the facade to brace against the buildings historic masonry.
The North America Hub have also continued their bi-monthly virtual meet ups. The June meet up focused on 'STONE - Natural vs Manufactured'. Speakers Michael Picco and Mario Romano presented unique approaches to stone cladding, including anchoring approaches, detailing challenges, and executing the design intent with a variety of stone products.
SFE North West Hub
In January, the SFE North West Hub welcomed members for a tour of the new Everton FC stadium on the famous Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool.
SFE ANZ Hub
At the 141st Edition of Zak World of Façades in February, the SFE launched their SFE ANZ Hub. The presentation was a chance for the new Hub to outline their aims and give the Society valuable publicity. The ANZ Hub have now elected a Committee with representatives across the region and are planning
SFE Middle East Hub
In January, the SFE Middle East Hub hosted a technical presentation titled, 'Enhancing the Energy, Weather and Fire Safety Performance' in collaboration with Hilti in Dubai. The event covered a range of topics including, 'Building Performance Rating launched by Dubai Land Department', with Mohamed Al Dah of the Dubai Land Department.
