The Facade Tectonics 2026 World Congress begins today, September 28, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, bringing together architects, façade engineers, researchers, academics and industry professionals for five days focused on the future of building envelopes. Organized by the Facade Tectonics Institute (FTI) in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, the congress runs through October 2 at the Courtyard Marriott Pittsburgh University Center.
Under the theme “FACE TIME 2026: Bringing Together the Many Voices of the Building Industry,” the program examines how façades influence architectural expression, building performance, sustainability, resilience and occupant well-being. FTI reports receiving more than 130 abstracts from around the world, marking a record level of engagement for the event.
The technical program begins on September 30, with sessions covering façade design, materials, climate-threat adaptation, codes and testing, circularity, façade performance, systems and fabrication. Keynote speakers include James Timberlake of Kieran Timberlake and Erik Olsen of Transsolar KlimaEngineering.
The congress also includes technical tours and workshops, including a construction tour of Carnegie Mellon’s Richard King Mellon Hall of Sciences, a Phipps Conservatory sustainability tour and a robotics and construction workshop hosted by CMU’s School of Architecture. 
Source: Facade Tectonics 2026 with additional information added by Glass Balkan
