COSTRUZIONE DELL'ARCHITETTURA M - Z

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the fundamental principles of architectural construction, with particular reference to the design of new buildings in seismic areas. They will have developed a theoretical understanding of design criteria, the main building types, construction systems and techniques, and the integration of architectural and technological aspects.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to the development of a design project for a new building in a seismic area. They will be able to make construction-related decisions consistent with the building type and structural system, develop the detailed design, and represent its main construction details, integrating architectural, technological, and structural aspects into a coherent set of design documents.

 

 

The course combines lectures with a group-based design project, which are closely integrated.

The lectures provide the theoretical knowledge concerning design criteria, building types, construction principles, and construction techniques for new buildings in seismic areas.

The design project enables students to apply the knowledge acquired progressively through the development of a building design. Students will explore architectural, technological, and construction aspects in greater depth while gaining experience in collaborative work.

These two teaching methods complement each other in supporting the achievement of the expected learning outcomes, thereby ensuring consistency between the course’s educational objectives and the teaching methods adopted.

Should the course be delivered in a blended or online format, the necessary changes to the teaching methods described above may be introduced to ensure that the programme set out in this syllabus is fully covered.

Recommended Prior Knowledge

Students are expected to possess basic architectural representation skills, with particular reference to the correct preparation of plans, elevations, and sections in accordance with technical drawing conventions. Proficiency in the use of CAD software for the production and management of drawings is also required.

Formal Prerequisites

Successful completion of the Drawing course is a formal prerequisite, in accordance with the regulations of the Degree Programme.

In presence, mandatory .

THEORETICAL LESSONS

1. General overview

1.1. Object and purpose of the course.

2. Construction process and building construction

2.1. Construction process.

2.2. Building construction.

3. Design models for sustainable architecture

3.1. Principles of sustainable architecture.

3.2. Bioclimatic design solutions.

3.3. Articulation of interior spaces in residential buildings.

3.4. Use of renewable sources for on-site production of thermal and electrical energy. Architectural integration of solar panels.

4. Building types

4.1. Framework and definition of the concept of "building type" and its possible use in design. Demanding framework for functional types: characterizing elements.

4.2. Isolated, terraced, multi-storey residential buildings: logic of space design and design examples.

4.3. School buildings: logic of space design and design examples.

4.4. Healthcare buildings: logic of space design and design examples.

5. Construction materials

5.1. Wood. Physical-mechanical characteristics and technical properties; seasoning and protection; fire resistance. Classification of timber types. Artificial timber: plywood; MDH and HDF panels; sandwich panels; plywood panels; particleboards; CLT.

5.2. Metals. Technology of ferrous metals: steel; notes on physical-mechanical characteristics of steel and fire resistance; classification of steels for architecture. Technology Non-ferrous metals: cast iron; aluminum and its alloys; copper and its alloys; lead.

5.3. Bricks. Production. Classification: solid bricks; hollow bricks; bricks for roofing; lightweight clay blocks.

5.4. Mortars. Composition and dosage. Classification and properties: aerial mortars; gypsum mortars; hydraulic mortars; cement mortars; compound mortars; mortars with additives; special mortars. Uses: for masonry; for plasters; for cladding, paving and sub-floors.

5.5. Concrete. Mix. Cast, compaction and seasoning. Beton brut. Lightweight concrete.

6. Building components

6.1. Supporting framework

6.1.1. Generality. Functions, geometry, construction elements. Overview of anti-seismic requirements; pre-sizing.

6.1.2. Supporting framework with reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete. Generality. Characteristics and properties of RC; reinforcement systems; formwork; transporting and placing concrete. Characteristics, properties, uses of prestressed concrete.

6.1.3. Steel Structures. Features and properties; connection details.

6.1.4. Foundations. Soil: classification; physical and mechanical characteristics. Direct and indirect foundations steel and RC structures. Construction details.

6.2. Vertical closures

6.2.1. Current load bearing and non-load bearing walls. Function and classification; materials and construction techniques. Energy issues. Construction details.

6.2.2. Underground vertical closures. Function and classification; solutions with and without air-gap. Protection of counter-ground walls. Construction details.

6.2.3. Windows. Function and classification; construction materials and details.

6.3. Horizontal closures

6.3.1. Floors on ground. Function, types and construction techniques. Construction details.

6.3.2. Intermediate floors. Characteristics, properties and executive modalities of wooden, steel, c.a. floors. Floors with prefabricated RC and prestressed concrete joists. Construction details.

6.3.3. Roofs. Pitched roofs: nomenclature; carpentry; types of tiles; thermos-hygrometry; construction details. Flat roofs: slope patterns; waterproofing materials; insulating materials; types of stratifications; construction details.

6.4. Stairs. Form and classification. Elements of the stairs. Sizing. Bearing structure. Finishes. Geometric and construction issues. Construction details.

6.5. Partition walls. Function and classification; materials, construction techniques and details.

7. Design declinations  

7.1. The design levels.

7.2 Executive, operational and economic design.

7.3 The concept of interoperability.

DESIGN ACTIVITIES

During the design exercise students (in groups of two) will have to work on the design of a residential building, assigned by the lecturer.

The design documents required, to be drawn up in accordance with the regulations and the graphic indications available online (MS Teams, "Design Exercise" folder), are as follows:

·       general planimetry with external arrangements (1:100);

·       furnished plan of each level, with table showing the aero-illuminated surfaces (1:100);

·       plan of the roofs with diagrams of the slopes and location of the solar panels (1:100), and with technical data sheets of the chosen PV panels and solar collectors;

·       carpentry of the large and small frames of the pitched roof, if any (1:100);

·       min. 2 significant sections, assigned by the lecturer (1:100);  

·       elevation of all fronts (1:100);

·       plan of the foundations (1:100) with min. 2 significant sections (1:100) and dimensioned detail section of the inverted beam (1:20)

·       structural plan of each floor (1:100) with at least 2 significant sections (1:100);

·       construction details with descriptive captions of materials and components, in vertical and horizontal section (1:10).

CONTRIBUTION OF TEACHING TO THE GOALS OF THE UN 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Goal 3_GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at ages

Target 3.9 

Mode: frontal lesson

 

Goal 11_SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Target 11.6

Mode: frontal lesson

 

Target 11.b

Mode: frontal lesson

Goal 12_RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Target 12.5

Mode: frontal lesson

 

Target 12.8

Mode: frontal lesson

Goal 13_CLIMATE ACTIONS : Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Target 13.3

Mode: frontal lesson

Slides illustrated by the lecturer during lectures (published on MS Teams, 'Lecture slides' folder) and lecture notes.
Construction details drawn and explained by the lecturer during the lectures.
We also recommend consulting DETAIL magazine and the UTET and The Plan atlases.

The exam for this course consists of two main components: a group design assignment and an individual oral examination. The final grade will take into account the results of both components.

 

Design Assignment (35% of the final grade)

The design assignment will be carried out by all students, working in pairs. It will take place during the course of the lectures, and its evaluation — accounting for 35% of the final grade — will be based on the following criteria:

·        Completeness: the comprehensiveness of the materials produced.

·        Accuracy: the technical and conceptual correctness of the project.

·        Originality: the innovation and creativity of the proposed solutions.

·        Presentation quality: the precision and care in the presentation of the materials.

The assignment must be completed and submitted approximately one week after the end of the course (the exact deadline will be announced by the instructors well in advance), regardless of the exam session in which the student chooses to take the oral examination. The design assignment will be evaluated as a group, but each student is free to take the oral exam independently of their project partner.

 

Oral Examination (65% of the final grade)

The oral examination will cover the topics discussed during the lectures. The evaluation, which constitutes 65% of the final grade, will be based on the following criteria:

·       Subject knowledge: depth and accuracy in the understanding of the required topics.

·       Communication skills and language use: clarity and precision in presenting one’s ideas.

·       Ability to make connections: skill in relating the various topics covered in the course.

·       Practical application: ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world cases, including the hand-drawn execution of construction details.

The oral examination can be taken during any of the available exam sessions. At least eight exam sessions are scheduled during the academic year.

 

Assessment may also be conducted online, should circumstances require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students may request an individual meeting to arrange any appropriate compensatory measures and/or exemptions, taking into account the learning objectives and each student’s specific needs. Students may also contact the Department’s CInAP representative (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration: Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) at: https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti.

Exam Registration

To register for an exam session, students must book through the university’s online portal.

 

 

1. Pitched roofs and their construction details
2. Type of floors on ground and relative construction details 

3. Evolution of the Concept of Sustainable Development

4. Brick materials

5. Concrete and reinforced concrete