Advanced Building Skins: Photovoltaics meets modern architecture in Bern

On November 3 and 4, 2025, architects can learn about the latest developments in solar building skins in the Swiss capital of Bern. The Conference on Advanced Building Skins will be celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Facade as an active system

In numerous presentations, developers and researchers will showcase their results and products, including the integration of photovoltaic modules into facades and roofs. The focus will also be on innovative materials and energy-efficient design—topics that are increasingly becoming part of everyday architectural practice.

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This will also be the focus of James Timberlake's keynote speech. The Philadelphia-based US architect has been experimenting with active and passive facades and developing new materials for over three decades. He demonstrates that facades have evolved over time from purely aesthetic and passive elements to active, energy-efficient systems. Advanced technologies such as photovoltaics, dynamic shading, and smart materials are increasingly being integrated into them.

Building envelope becomes energy producer

In his view, the building envelope of the future will fulfill multiple functions: It will be thinner, more energy-efficient, and more adaptable. At the same time, it will evolve into an integrated system for energy generation, temperature control, and information processing. The challenge is to scale these innovations, create sustainable systems at the building and city levels, and integrate new technologies into existing structures in a practical and economical way.

Published by VDE Verlag: Handbook on solar architecture

Building integration is the focus

The speakers at the Kursaal Bern will demonstrate how this can be achieved. They will offer comprehensive information on everything from the intelligent planning of solar building envelopes – including those using artificial intelligence – to the aesthetic integration of various solar-active materials and the possibilities for scaling building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The speakers will also address the challenges and appropriate solutions. These include not only the installation of solar facades but also, among other things, fire protection.

Switzerland: Monument protection does not exempt from solar energy requirements

The 20th Conference on Advanced Building Skins will take place on November 3 and 4, 2025, at the Kursaal in Bern. A complete program and registration link can be found on the event website . (see below)