The aim of the class is to get student started with technology of architecture. The relationship between building technology and project will be analysed through the performance–design approach.

The class is subdivided in theoretical and practical parts that cover the topics listed below. The main lectures will be supported by specific exercises, to be done individually or in a group.
Different types of activity are defined in the program as follow:
L. = Lecture in class
G.E. = Group Exercise
D.E. = Drawing Exercise
V. = visit

L. General introduction on the class
Objectives, program, examination system and references. Definition of design and meaning of technology of architecture

Part 1
L. Design by requirements
Definition of the general approach, identification of functions, users, actions and analysis of related requirements; definition of environmental and spatial unit.

G.E. Exercise on requirement meaning
Exercise in small groups to analyse a specific building in order to identify functions, users and actions and assess related requirements. Through an assessment system the quality of chosen case studies is defined and improvement are proposed.

L. Construction systems
Definition of the classes of technological units of a building envelope according to the Italian norm UNI 8290

L. Building and environment
Definition of climate
Building in different climates: requirements and technologies
Spontaneous architecture and use of local materials

Part 2
L. Analysis of each technological unit of the building envelope (UNI 8290) and specification of categories and type of elements, function, materials and performances:

L. Substructures:
Foundation system
D.E: Individual drawing exercise of a section in scale 1:20 of one of the foundation types taught in the class

L. Superstructures:
Continuous load bearing structures and frame load bearing structures
Concrete and steel as construction material

L. Horizontal partitions:
Internal floor system

L. Roof system:
Pitched roof, flat roof and green roof
Wood as construction material

D.E. Individual drawing exercise of a section in scale 1:20 of one of the roof types taught in the class

L. Wall system
Brickworks, drywall systems, panel walls, wall insulation
Bricks and clay materials
D.E. Individual drawing exercise of a section in scale 1:20 of several wall types taught in the class

L. Window system
Window types and material use
D.E. Individual drawing exercise of a section in scale 1:5 of a window type taught in the class

L. Stairs and internal partitions

V. Guided visit to LATEC Laboratorio Tecnologico

D.E. Final drawing exercise:
Technological design of the building envelope of a case study chosen by students (small size building): representation of plans, sections and elevations in scale 1:100, drawing of a 1:20 section with representation of construction elements from foundation to roof.

Slides of lectures will be uploaded on the web page of the class.
Student are invited to study two other books:
Allen E., Iano J., Fundamentals of building construction: materials and methods, Wiley, 2004
Lyons A., Materials for Architects and Builders, Elsevier, 2007, 3^ ed.

The final exam will be a written test with open questions, multiple choices questions and drawings to be completed with words in blank spaces. Each topic taught during the class will be assessed.
If very few students apply in a date there will be an oral exam on same topics of the written one.
The final grade is the average of the final scores of group and drawing exercises and written/oral exam.