ARCHITETTURA TECNICA I E LABORATORIO ARCHITETTURA TECNICA I A - L

Module ARCHITETTURA TECNICA I

• Knowledge and Understanding

In-depth knowledge of the main characteristics, properties, and performance of construction materials, both traditional and innovative and preformed, used in the construction of buildings and civil engineering projects. Understanding of the principles and methods of use of common construction techniques and traditional building systems, as well as their evolution with the introduction of innovative materials and technologies.

• Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

Ability to apply acquired knowledge to the definition and development of construction solutions in the design of buildings and civil engineering projects. Ability to select and integrate traditional and innovative materials, systems, and technologies, developing detailed design solutions consistent with the characteristics of the project, its performance, functional, and durability requirements, and the specific conditions of the intervention context.

• Independent Judgment

Ability to critically analyze and evaluate different materials, systems, and construction techniques, identifying the most appropriate solutions for the project objectives. Ability to justify technical and construction choices through an integrated assessment of performance, functional, technological, economic, and environmental aspects, even in the presence of complex design conditions or incompletely defined information.

• Communication Skills

Ability to clearly and appropriately describe and illustrate the characteristics of materials, construction systems, and technological solutions adopted, as well as the criteria underlying design choices. Ability to communicate the solutions developed using appropriate technical language and through graphics, diagrams, and design documentation, effectively addressing both specialists and non-specialists.

• Learning Ability

Ability to independently deepen and update knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and the evolution of technological systems for construction and civil engineering projects. Ability to locate and use technical standards, specialized documentation, and industry literature, developing the ability to transfer acquired knowledge to the analysis and solution of new design issues.

Teaching will be delivered primarily through lectures, supplemented, where applicable, by learning activities designed to deepen and apply the topics covered.

If, due to organizational needs or specific University regulations, teaching must be delivered in a blended or distance learning format, appropriate adjustments may be made to the teaching methods, ensuring full compliance with the content, learning objectives, and activities outlined in this syllabus.

5 hours per week during the 1st semester.

5 hours per week during the 2nd semester.

COURSE CONTENT

General Overview

Introduction to the fundamental principles of architectural technology and the relationship between materials, construction processes, and the configuration of the building organism.

1.1 Materials and Construction Processes

Performance characteristics of materials and their relationship with construction techniques and processes. Criteria for selecting materials in relation to the functional, construction, and environmental requirements of the project.

1.2 Geometric-Construction Principles

Relationship between geometry, form, and construction system. Principles of organization and assembly of the technical and structural elements of the building organism.

1.3 Construction Systems

Characteristics and operating principles of the main construction systems in wood, reinforced concrete, steel, and reinforced masonry, with particular reference to assembly methods and their applications in the construction industry.

Building Materials

Study of the characteristics, properties, and main areas of application of materials used in building construction: wood, stone, ceramic and brick materials, binders, mortars and plasters, concrete, steel, aluminum, waterproofing membranes, glass, reinforced and prestressed concrete, flooring, and thermal and acoustic insulation materials.

Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between material properties, required performance, installation methods, and durability of the work, as well as the criteria for selecting materials based on energy and environmental considerations.

Construction Equipment Composition

Analysis of the building structure through the study of the main technical elements that constitute its envelope, structures, and internal partitions, with reference to their functional, construction, and performance characteristics.

3.1 External Vertical Enclosures

Walls and related completion systems. Door and window openings, finishing and cladding works, windows and doors, and glass walls. Principles and techniques for moisture protection and controlling the thermal and acoustic performance of the building envelope.

3.2 Horizontal Roof Enclosures

Flat roofs: slope configuration, functional stratigraphy, rainwater collection and disposal systems, and main construction details.

Pitched roofs: geometry and organization of the pitches, Lombard and Piedmontese frameworks, trusses, water disposal systems, roof coverings, and construction details.

Vaulted roofs: main geometric and construction configurations, with reference to barrel vaults, annular barrel vaults, ribbed vaults, hipped vaults, cross vaults, and barrel vaults with a hipped end.

3.3 Intermediate horizontal closures

Floors and main construction technologies: wooden, steel, masonry, and reinforced concrete floors. Design principles and representation of structural steelwork. Load analysis and reference standards for sizing and checking structural elements.

3.4 Basic horizontal closures

Design principles of foundation structures in relation to soil characteristics and load conditions. Continuous, discontinuous, and indirect foundations. Criteria for choosing the foundation type and principles relating to soil pressure.

Representation of structural steelwork, load analysis, and main reference standards for calculations. Systems and techniques for protecting structures from humidity and water damage.

3.5 Internal Vertical Partitions

The main types of fixed and movable partitions, fitted walls, finishing systems, and internal doors and windows, with reference to their functional, performance, and construction characteristics.

3.6 Elements of Vertical Communication

External and internal staircases and their geometric and construction configurations. External staircases: frontal, parallel, and curved; internal staircases: straight, spiral, shaft, pincer, circular, and elliptical.

Staircase design principles, criteria for sizing and staggering steps, geometric organization, and load-bearing structural systems.

SUPPLEMENTARY TEACHING ACTIVITIES

To complement the classroom teaching activities, the course includes thematic seminars and field trips, aimed at exploring the topics covered in class through professional experiences, design applications, and concrete projects.

COURSE RELEVANCE TO THE 2030 AGENDA GOALS

The process of urbanization is one of the main phenomena characterizing contemporary development. The growing concentration of population and economic activity in urban centers necessitates an approach to the transformation and redevelopment of the building stock that focuses on safety, resilience, environmental sustainability, and quality of living.

From this perspective, the course in TECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE I is significantly consistent with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with particular reference to Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. The course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge necessary to understand the building system not as an isolated element, but as a component of a broader constructed system, inserted into an urban and territorial context.

The study of materials, technical elements, and construction systems is therefore also addressed in relation to the issues of durability, energy efficiency, resource reduction, life cycle management of materials, and the limitation of environmental impacts associated with the construction, use, and decommissioning of buildings.

Of particular importance is the ability to integrate the needs of new construction with those of preserving and enhancing the existing built, cultural, and natural heritage, promoting intervention strategies compatible with the context and aimed at improving the quality and resilience of urban settlements.

Within this framework, the course introduces students to the awareness that technological and construction choices are an integral part of the design process and can concretely contribute to achieving sustainability objectives. These choices must also be developed in accordance with the principles and provisions in force regarding Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) and Do No Significant Harm (DNSH), promoting a design approach focused on reducing environmental impacts and the responsible use of resources throughout the entire life cycle of the project.

• E. Mandolesi, Edilizia, Vol. I, II, III, IV, Torino, UTET,1991.

• S. I. Colombini, Lezioni di Architettura Tecnica, Catania, IDAU, 1979.

• L. Caleca, Architettura Tecnica, Palermo, FLACCOVIO EDITORE, 1992.

• S. Cascone, Finestre e pareti vetrate, Roma, GANGEMI EDITORE, 1996.

• E. Dassori, R. Morbiducci, Costruire l'architettura, BEMA, 2011.

The assessment of learning involves assessing the student's knowledge and understanding of the materials and construction systems covered during the course, as well as their ability to apply this knowledge to the reading, interpretation, and technical representation of the building structure. Specifically, the student's ability to prepare and interpret detailed drawings of building elements and components will be assessed, demonstrating consistency between the construction solutions analyzed and the corresponding graphic representation. The assessment will also take into account the student's ability to analyze and synthesize, the coherence and appropriateness of the argument, the use of technical references, and the clarity and effectiveness of communication, both in oral presentation and graphic representation. Grades are expressed in thirtieths, according to the following criteria:

• Non idoneo

Knowledge and understanding: significant gaps and inaccuracies in the topics covered.

Analysis and synthesis skills: irrelevant, with frequent generalizations and difficulty applying knowledge.

Use of references: completely inappropriate or absent.

Application and communication: graphic presentations inadequate or inconsistent with the course content; unclear and insufficiently structured presentation.

• 18–20/30

Knowledge and Understanding: Very modest knowledge of the topics, with obvious imperfections.

Analysis and Synthesis: Barely adequate.

Use of References: Barely appropriate and limited to fundamental content.

Application and Communication: Reading and representation of construction systems is barely adequate, with papers characterized by some inaccuracies.

• 21–23/30

Knowledge and Understanding: Slightly more than adequate knowledge of the topics covered.

Analysis and Synthesis: Fair analysis and synthesis skills; topics are presented in a logical and coherent manner.

Use of References: Appropriate use of standard technical references.

Application and Communication: Adequate ability to apply knowledge to the reading and representation of construction systems, with overall accurate presentations.

• 24–26/30

Knowledge and Understanding: Good knowledge of the topics covered.

Analysis and Synthesis: Good analysis and synthesis skills; topics are presented coherently and adequately justified.

Use of References: Appropriate use of standard technical references.

Application and Communication: Good ability to interpret and represent construction systems, with clear, accurate, and coherent presentations.

• 27–29/30

Knowledge and Understanding: More than good and in-depth knowledge of the topics covered.

Analysis and Synthesis: Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and critical review.

Use of References: Significant in-depth study of the technical references and content covered during the course.

Application and Communication: Excellent ability to apply knowledge to the reading, interpretation, and representation of construction systems; the papers are accurate, complete, and technically appropriate.

• 30–30 e lode

Knowledge and Understanding: Excellent, comprehensive, and in-depth knowledge of the topics covered.

Analysis and Synthesis: Excellent analytical, synthesis, and critical reworking skills, with full autonomy in applying knowledge.

Use of References: Significant in-depth analysis and informed and pertinent use of technical references.

Application and Communication: Full mastery of the reading, interpretation, and representation of construction systems, with high-quality technical and graphic documents and clear, rigorous, and effective oral communication.

Construction Materials and Technologies

Building materials: classification, characteristics, and main fields of use.

Stone materials: classification, types, and main processes.

Wooden buildings: characteristics and main construction systems.

Reinforced masonry buildings: characteristics, construction principles, and applications.

Constitution of load-bearing steel and reinforced concrete skeletons.

Foundations and building-soil relationship

Building attachment to the ground: characteristics and main construction solutions.

Direct and indirect foundations: characteristics, differences, and application examples.

Types of foundations: classification and selection criteria.

Vertical enclosures and building envelope

Vertical enclosures: types, stratigraphy, and main construction solutions.

Construction details of vertical enclosures and ground attachment systems.

Insulation systems: characteristics, construction methods, and application examples.

Insulation systems for vertical enclosures: characteristics and application examples.

Transparent building envelope: characteristics, performance, and main technological solutions.

Difference between waterproofing and insulating materials: characteristics and functions.

Horizontal closures and roofs

Basic horizontal closures: characteristics, stratigraphy, and main construction solutions.

Construction details of basic horizontal closures.

Horizontal roof closures: types, stratigraphy, and main construction solutions.

Construction details of horizontal roof closures.

Waterproofing systems for flat and pitched roofs: characteristics and application examples.

Insulation systems for basic horizontal closures and roofs: characteristics and application examples.

Green roofs: characteristics, stratigraphy, and main technological solutions.

Rainwater collection and disposal systems.

Floors and structures

Types of floors: concrete-reinforced concrete floors, prefabricated floors, and main construction systems.

Analysis of loads on floors: main load types and evaluation criteria.

Operating principles and construction characteristics of the main floor systems.

 Stairs

Stair geometry: proportioning criteria and step construction.

Stair types and main construction systems.

 BIM and design tools

BIM in design: principles, objectives, and advantages in the construction process.

BIM in project implementation and the construction industry.

Extraction of drawings and accounting documents from the Revit model.

Using the BIM model to manage and integrate project information.