TECNOLOGIE PER LA PROGETTAZIONE SOSTENIBILE

The subject of the course is the design of sustainable architecture, i.e. architecture that combines formal quality and expressive coherence with adequate performance in terms of functionality, safety, well-being and comfort. The design of sustainable architecture must also aim to reduce the impact of construction on ecosystem resources throughout the building's life cycle.

The course’s aim is to deepen the knowledge of contemporary construction processes, to address the issue of the building feasibility and the environmental sustainability of an architectural work. 

The course specifically develops the topics below.

1. Evolution of sustainable development

Sustainable approach to the design of the built environment. Demographic aspects and land consumption. Energy consumption of buildings and environmental impact.

Revival of the local constructive culture, bioclimatic architecture, bio-architecture, ecological architecture, sustainable architecture. 

2. Principles of sustainable design, with specific regard to the Mediterranean climate 

Analysis of macro and microclimatic factors and of the morphology of the building area.

Form and orientation of buildings. Albedo.

Use of vegetation to control solar radiation, wind speed and direction, relative humidity.

"Passive" and "active" heating and cooling systems.

Architectural integration of renewable energy source systems.

Overview of the functional distribution criteria of residential buildings. Positioning, insulation, and solar shading of windows.

Advantages of massive walls for the thermal comfort of buildings in Mediterranean climate.

Technological solutions for the reduction of thermal bridges.

Green roofs and green walls.

3. Passive House standard, on zero energy buildings, on the energy certification

Introduction to Passivhaus standard and to zero-energy and zero-emission buildings (ZEB, nearly ZEB, net ZEB).

Energy certification of buildings in Italy.

4. Use of renewable and sustainable energy sources in construction

Introduction to the most widespread renewable and sustainable energy sources in the construction sector, at building or neighborhood level (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass energy). Pre-dimensioning of solar panels. 

5. Dry construction systems and processes

Review of the main "dry" systems and construction methods currently used in the construction sector. Advantages of the selective demolition of buildings. 

6. Principles and tools of algorithmic design

Advantages of using parameters in the design process: moving from additive to associative logic. Introduction to algorithmic design with Grasshopper for Rhino and environmental and energy modelling with Ladybug and Honeybee.

7. Parametric design and sustainability of buildings

How to carry out detailed analyses of climate data and produce interactive climate graphics that support decision-making during the early stages of environmentally informed design. Create, simulate, and visualise energy models using OpenStudio for energy informed design. Parametric design tools for optimising building components on thermal comfort.

8. Industry 4.0 and sustainability

Introduction to Industry 4.0 technologies with a focus on the construction sector (additive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, sensors, robots, advanced materials, big data, internet of things).

9. Evaluation of the environmental sustainability of buildings

Environmentally friendly construction materials and components. Embodied energy. Introduction to life cycle assessment in buildings (LCA). The ITACA protocol.

  Design activities

1. MS Power Point presentation of an example of sustainable architecture.

During the first month, the students (in groups of two) will have to select and analyse in detail an example of sustainable architecture (renovation or new construction, residential or possibly tertiary), highlighting its main characteristics, main advantages, and possible criticalities, especially in relation to the Mediterranean climate.

The results of this activity will be illustrated with an MS Power Point presentation.

Accompany the presentation with adequate graphic and photographic documentation, sketches, drawings, and construction details, with explanatory captions.

The final file, with a PPT or PPTX extension, must be uploaded to Teams by a date to be determined by the lecturer (April 2026). The presentation will be shown to all colleagues and the lecturer on a date to be set by the lecturer (April 2026) (presentation duration: 8 minutes).

2. Design exercise: design of a construction unit using low-cost and low-tech construction technologies.

Starting from the beginning of April a second design exercise will be assigned, in which the students, in groups of three (to be defined also depending on the students’ number), will experiment with sustainable construction technologies for the design of a construction unit, with building technologies and climate context assigned by the lecturers. The construction technology tested will be validated with the realisation of a full-scale prototype by the students in collaboration with selected building companies and manufacturer. 

Whenever possible as part of the course, the lecturers will organise guided tours to construction sites or companies producing building materials and components, participation in conferences or trade fairs.