The thesis is focused on the study of precast cladding systems with particular attention on precast concrete panels, used as a technological element for the buildings’ envelope. The research is the result of the collaboration between two research groups of Politecnico di Torino and Tongji University, Shanghai, China. The experience has allowed deepening the topic both from an architectural and engineering point of view, considering technological, compositional and sustainability aspects. After an initial state-of-the-art overview, the thesis considers the performance-based building design (PBD) approach as a methodological framework. Based on this approach, the further steps deal with the identification of Chinese stakeholders’ needs and performance requirements related to the precast panels.