BUILDING REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGIES

Academic Year 2024/2025 - 3° Year
Teaching Staff: Stefania DE MEDICI
Credit Value: 6
Scientific field: ICAR/12 - Architectural technology
Taught classes: 35 hours
Exercise: 13 hours
Term / Semester:

Expected Learning Outcomes

The focus of teaching is to provide principles, tools and methods for the management of the quality of the built environment through a systemic approach. Students will be exposed to the potential of technological innovation in process, design and product to manage design developments at different scales - from landscape to construction detail. Furthermore, the course, which is taught in English, aims to open the students' education to an international scenario in the field of construction and urban renewal, promoting the acquisition of the technical language with the aim of providing the basic tools for future study and work experiences abroad. In line with the objectives of the Architecture curriculum and previous years' learning, the Building Rehabilitation Technologies course aims to

a) acquire knowledge of basic tools and methodologies for the design and management of interventions for the reuse, rehabilitation and maintenance of the built heritage;

b) identify interventions that are compatible with the conservation of the material culture, taking into account the legal framework, resources and constraints of the built environment;

c) independently evaluate the renovation processes of the built environment;

d) produce clear and rigorous drawings and graphic-descriptive documents.

Course Structure

The course includes lectures, seminars and practical exercises. Learning process check tests (optional) will be scheduled (open-ended questions and drawings).

The final examination consists of a discussion on the topics covered in the lectures and the practical exercises, in order to test the achieved knowledge.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of architectural representation and technology is required; therefore, students are recommended to have successfully attended the examinations of Laboratory of Representation and Descriptive Geometry (1st year), Laboratory of Drawing and Surveying of Architecture (2nd year) and Architectural Technologies and Building Systems (2nd year).

Knowledge of the English language (reference level B1) is required.

Attendance of Lessons

Class attendance is not compulsory, but is recommended. Active participation in lectures promotes the development of specific skills and the ability to integrate knowledge of building systems and their classification and structure. Attendance encourages critical discussion of the topics covered and comparison with other students and the lecturer; it also promotes awareness in learning processes.

Detailed Course Content

The course includes lectures aimed at providing the basic knowledge required to guide a building renovation project. Furthermore, graphic exercises on the analysis of the built environment and the development of design solutions for its adaptation to contemporary use requirements are also planned. A review of tools and methodologies to support clients and designers in the development of building rehabilitation projects compatible with the values of the built heritage and capable of improving the existing performance will be covered.

Textbook Information

  1. Viola S., Diano D. (2019), Repurposing the Built Environment: Emerging Challenges and Key Entry Points for Future Research, Sustainability, 11(17), 46-69; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11174669. 
  2. Caterina G. (2016), Innovative strategies for the recovering of historical cities, Techne Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment, 12/2016 Firenze University Press, Firenze, pp.33-35.
  3. De Medici S., Senia C. (2014), Enhancement of Abandoned Buildings. Rudinì Winery in Pachino, FrancoAngeli, Milano (ISBN: 978-88-568-4684-3).

Other references will be suggested as the course progresses, depending on the topics covered in the classes.

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Building and urban renovation design
2Values and performance of the built environment
3Developing studies on building and urban rehabilitation
4 Knowledge for building rehabilitation
5Building reuse
6 Rudinì Winery in Pachino: A design experience for reuse
7Procedures and methods for building and urban maintenance
8Circular economy and building rehabilitation

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The course includes a final examination consisting of an interview conducted in English, intended to test the following results:

1. knowledge of the topics covered in the lectures;
2. ability to present the topics of discussion and knowledge of the technical language;
3. ability to autonomously and critically relate the knowledge acquired;
4. ability to develop project solutions according to the expected quality levels, in the critical discussion of the students' work.

The learning check may also be performed online, should the conditions require it.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

A few questions are given as examples only:
The role of knowledge in the rehabilitation project.
The reuse compatibility check.
Technological innovation for building renovation.
Circular economy and the built environment
 
The main exercise subjects are also reported:
Reuse compatibility assessment.
Development of project solutions for the rehabilitation of the built environment
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