Cladding

External building skin.

Overview

Cladding, using metal, glass, or wood, forms the exterior layer of buildings for protection and aesthetics.

Core Characteristics

• Protective, decorative layer.
• Varied materials, textures.
• Weather resistance.

Notable Examples

• Seagram Building (USA, 1958).
• Guggenheim Bilbao (Spain, 1997).

Architectural Connections

• Modern: 20th–21st century.
• Commercial, Civic: Various typologies.
• Modernism: Core movement.

Influence and Legacy

Enhances building aesthetics and durability.

Related Concepts & Techniques

Panel Construction (technique), Aesthetics (theory), Facade (element), Modernism (movement)

Directory

Elements Registry, Architecture Hub, History