Architecture

In particular, the course is focused on aspects related to technological meta-design, i.e., the design of the performance system related to a building organism and the definition of the response to these in terms of construction systems, understood as organized sets of technical elements. The main theoretical-disciplinary contents of the course will be expressed through the following lesson topics: The evolution of construction technology over time, in relation to the conditions of modification of the logic and rules of construction and innovation of materials and techniques; The building process, the roles of the operators and the different organizational methods, from the traditional to the most advanced, based on construction and project management. The demand-performance theory (needs, requirements, performance) applied to the methodology for verifying the quality and reliability of building products, also in relation to procedural issues and the role played by the various operators within the building process. The structure of the building organism and its parts, with the classification of the building system and the constructive elements of the building; Characteristics and use of the main materials used in construction: wood, brick, concrete, steel, glass, and their relationship-contribution on the definition of the formal language in architecture; Critical reading of the main configurations of the construction elements (closures and partitions) of significant, modern and contemporary architectures, tending to identify the influence of technological and constructive choices with respect to the functional and formal relationships that are established in a project between spaces and components (environmental system and technological system). The phases of the life cycle of the building and building components, with particular attention to the aspects of environmental regeneration.

None. The course is in at the first year of a five-year-degree, and it's the first in the Scientific Disciplinary Sector of Architectural Technology.

Andrea Campioli, Monica Lavagna, Tecniche e architetture, Editore: Città studi edizioni, Anno edizione: 2013 Specific references will also be provided during the course. All lectures will be upload (in synths) on the e-learning page of the Course.

Attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended.

During the semester of study, the student will have to face three partial written examinations (ex tempore written essays) on the theoretical apparatus of the course. He/she will have to prepare and illustrate orally a group exercise in relation to case studies selected by the instructor. He/she will present to the final discussion of the exam a booklet in A3 format with notes, sketches, and some technical drawings selected in advance by the instructor.

Lectures delivered by the teacher with numerous practical examples and graphic representations.

The course includes a part of ex cathedra theoretical lectures and exercises in groups of three students to develop the ability to identify and evaluate the specific qualities of individual materials and construction elements used in different case studies. Lessons will focus on following topics: - Introduction to the discipline of Architectural Technology - Architecture as a process: phases, subjects involved and tools - Technological design and requirement-performance approach - The building as a system - The evaluation of environmental efficiency: the LCA methodology - Materials and built form: classification and properties - Natural stone materials: classification, production process and environmental profile - Mortars, simple and reinforced concrete: composition, production process and environmental profile - Ceramic materials: products, production process and environmental profile - Wood: products, production process and environmental profile - Metals: products, production process and environmental profile - Glass: products, production process and environmental profile - Plastics: products, production process and environmental profile - Technical textiles: products, production process and environmental profile - Fibre-reinforced materials: products and environmental profile - Insulation materials: classification and environmental profile - Innovative materials: products and environmental profile - Circular materials: products and environmental profile - The digitisation of building materials The course also includes a series of collective sessions for discussion and review of the work, conducted by the teaching staff through the projection of the outcomes produced, making use of specific software tools to assess the impact of material choices in terms of energy efficiency and users’ perceived thermal comfort.

No prerequisites

Optional in-depth texts Deplazes, Constructing Architecture. Materials Processes Structures. A Handbook, Birkhäuser, 2005 Koolhaas et alt., Elements, Marsilio editore, 2014

Attendance is not mandatory, but it constitutes a particularly significant aspect of the learning process; the course nevertheless provides flexibility to accommodate the specific needs of students.

The final examination consists of: -Three written exemption tests with open-ended questions (five questions per test). -An oral exam to assess the exercises completed in class (project boards are required) Students are required to register for the exam before the scheduled date, following the procedures established by the INFOSTUD system.

Deplazes, Constructing Architecture. Materials Processes Structures. A Handbook, Birkhäuser, 2005 Koolhaas et alt., Elements, Marsilio editore, 2014

The course will take place in presence