The course intends to provide methodologies, strategies, tools and techniques for the technological design of new buildings with industrialised construction systems and components, according to an integrated, sustainable and circular approach, which aims to achieve and maintain adequate levels of technological performance and environmental quality over time.
The course focuses on the critical study of the design methodologies of industrialised components, also produced with digital manufacturing processes, and to the analysis of the connection and/or assembly methods between different components in the assembly phases.
Both detailed technical solutions and the main construction systems emerging in the market offer are examined in depth from a technological point of view, following the most up-to-date construction industry supply chain.
In the practical application of the course, the technological design of the building is developed down to the construction detailing, according to criteria of rationalisation, standardisation and optimisation of processes and subsystems. The design is conducted with a tailor-made approach, which adapts serial production to the uniqueness of the project, both through the industrialisation of components and elements produced off-site, chosen and designed ad hoc, and through the careful resolution of singular construction nodes between the different subsystems and industrialised components, analysing their mutual compatibility.
The objective of the course is to contribute to the specialised training of a professional figure oriented towards executive building design in consonance with the surrounding (built or natural) environment, capable of tackling and resolving architectural, environmental, structural, construction and economic instances in an integrated manner and according to an eminently technological approach, verifying the constructability of the possible technological alternatives, also on the basis of the potential of the construction industry.
The course intends to provide methodologies, strategies, tools and techniques for the technological design of new buildings with industrialised construction systems and components, according to an integrated, sustainable and circular approach, which aims to achieve and maintain adequate levels of technological performance and environmental quality over time.
The course focuses on the critical study of the design methodologies of industrialised components, also produced with digital manufacturing processes, and to the analysis of the connection and/or assembly methods between different components in the assembly phases.
Both detailed technical solutions and the main construction systems emerging in the market offer are examined in depth from a technological point of view, following the most up-to-date construction industry supply chain.
In the practical application of the course, the technological design of the building is developed down to the construction detailing, according to criteria of rationalisation, standardisation and optimisation of processes and subsystems. The design is conducted with a tailor-made approach, which adapts serial production to the uniqueness of the project, both through the industrialisation of components and elements produced off-site, chosen and designed ad hoc, and through the careful resolution of singular construction nodes between the different subsystems and industrialised components, analysing their mutual compatibility.
The objective of the course is to contribute to the specialised training of a professional figure oriented towards executive building design in consonance with the surrounding (built or natural) environment, capable of tackling and resolving architectural, environmental, structural, construction and economic instances in an integrated manner and according to an eminently technological approach, verifying the constructability of the possible technological alternatives, also on the basis of the potential of the construction industry.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- have the necessary technical knowledge for the executive design of building organisms through the assembly of innovative prefabricated elements, through the evaluation of the individual and overall performance characteristics of the selected components, with attention to both energy performance and structural aspects, as well as the implications of a composition and formal nature
- understand and follow the reiterative paths that design proposes and sometimes imposes, with the aim of progressively developing and verifying the solutions outlined for a high-performance building;
- understand the fundamental relationships between energy (from renewable and non-renewable sources), the environmental context and the building envelope;
- critically evaluate the design choices, in relation to the design methods and tools and the implementation procedures of the operational phase;
- understand the complexity of interrelationships between the envelope and other systems and technical elements of the building and effectively manage the detailed technical solution at singular construction nodes;
- to orientate oneself critically and selectively in the construction sector and to choose, in a conscious and appropriate manner from a performance point of view, innovative construction systems, components, products and materials that respond effectively both to the reference requirement framework and to the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) envisaged for GPP (Green Public Procurement)
- acquire a high degree of autonomy in judgement and learning ability;
- improve individual capacity for team work, through the adaptation and coordination of the individual's peculiarities and aptitude preferences to the similar characteristics of the members of the group, in order to obtain satisfactory design results, also in terms of ease of execution, economic and environmental sustainability of the design proposals.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- have the necessary technical knowledge for the executive design of building organisms through the assembly of innovative prefabricated elements, through the evaluation of the individual and overall performance characteristics of the selected components, with attention to both energy performance and structural aspects, as well as the implications of a composition and formal nature
- understand and follow the reiterative paths that design proposes and sometimes imposes, with the aim of progressively developing and verifying the solutions outlined for a high-performance building;
- understand the fundamental relationships between energy (from renewable and non-renewable sources), the environmental context and the building envelope;
- critically evaluate the design choices, in relation to the design methods and tools and the implementation procedures of the operational phase;
- understand the complexity of interrelationships between the envelope and other systems and technical elements of the building and effectively manage the detailed technical solution at singular construction nodes;
- to orientate oneself critically and selectively in the construction sector and to choose, in a conscious and appropriate manner from a performance point of view, innovative construction systems, components, products and materials that respond effectively both to the reference requirement framework and to the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) envisaged for GPP (Green Public Procurement)
- acquire a high degree of autonomy in judgement and learning ability;
- improve individual capacity for team work, through the adaptation and coordination of the individual's peculiarities and aptitude preferences to the similar characteristics of the members of the group, in order to obtain satisfactory design results, also in terms of ease of execution, economic and environmental sustainability of the design proposals.
The following knowledge and skills are required for the correct access to the course:
- knowledge of the methods and tools of Integrated Design”;
- ability to correlate construction solutions, performance analysis and material choice through detailed technological design, according to the skills provided by Architectural Technology.
- ability to critically and autonomously search for and select information and technical insights relating to elements and components, in support of the practical design application;
- ability to appropriately and effectively apply computer tools and technologies for design representation (Revit, BIM) and performance checks.
The following knowledge and skills are required for the correct access to the course:
- knowledge of the methods and tools of Integrated Design;
- ability to correlate construction solutions, performance analysis and material choice through detailed technological design, according to the skills provided by Architectural Technology.
- ability to critically and autonomously search for and select information and technical insights relating to elements and components, in support of the practical design application;
- ability to appropriately and effectively apply computer tools and technologies for design representation (Revit, BIM) and performance checks.
Building industrialisation in the second millennium: new perspectives
Introduction to the concept of technological innovation: process and product innovation
Introduction to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
Off-site construction: modularity, prefabrication, assembly
Potential of parametric design
Digital fabrication for on-site and off-site production of buildings and components: operational and regulatory aspects
Mass customisation in component design and manufacture
Design for Disassembly (DfD) and Reversible Design
Design and construction criteria related to
- Dry layered building systems (structure/cladding)
- Load-bearing wall construction systems
- Hybrid building systems
- Prefabricated building envelope systems and components
Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM): meaning, criteria and areas of application, regulatory constraints and implications on design and process choices.
Outline of performance evaluation criteria according to the main sustainability assessment protocols (ARCA, Klimahouse, Passive House, LEED, ITACA, ...)
Building industrialisation in the second millennium: new perspectives
Introduction to the concept of technological innovation: process and product innovation
Introduction to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
Off-site construction: modularity, prefabrication, assembly
Potential of parametric design
Digital fabrication for on-site and off-site production of buildings and components: operational and regulatory aspects
Mass customisation in component design and manufacture
Design for Disassembly (DfD) and Reversible Design
Design and construction criteria related to
- Dry layered building systems (structure/cladding)
- Load-bearing wall construction systems
- Hybrid building systems
- Prefabricated building envelope systems and components
Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM): meaning, criteria and areas of application, regulatory constraints and implications on design and process choices.
Outline of performance evaluation criteria according to the main sustainability assessment protocols (ARCA, Klimahouse, Passive House, LEED, ITACA, ...)
The course is divided into theoretical lectures and thematic seminars held by renowned experts and professionals and a practical design exercise.
The exercise consists in the executive project of a new building of limited dimensions, ascribable to a precise building type assigned at the beginning of the course, articulated from the building scale up to the scale of maximum detail, developed with industrialised construction systems and components through technological solutions based on dry assembly.
The design activity is carried out in groups (each consisting of a maximum number of 3 people) under the guidance and supervision of the teaching staff, according to successive levels of technical depth, following the reiterative process of review and verification of design choices, which characterises the integrated approach to design.
The exercise activity is based on a consolidated experiential learning methodology called "learning by doing" and is carried out by simulating the work of a real design team.
The design activity also includes in the metaproject phase
- the redesign with the application of the BIM method, of technological details characterising recent innovative buildings (supported by meetings with professionals active in international research in the sector), with particular attention to alternative technologies to reinforced concrete
- an applicative part with hypotheses for setting up solutions aimed at proposing the innovation of a detail taken from the case studies, with experimentation in rapid prototyping and integrated design.
The training activity also includes
- the in-depth illustration of exemplary case studies, both national and international, referring to the period of great development of prefabrication, through the anthological collection, analysis and technological-functional understanding of 20th century industrialised architecture;
- the possible scheduling of on-site visits to significant buildings and/or construction sites and visits to leading companies in the off-site construction sector, intended as an investigative activity in the field.
The course is divided into theoretical lectures and thematic seminars held by renowned experts and professionals and a practical design exercise.
The exercise consists in the executive project of a new building of limited dimensions, ascribable to a precise building type assigned at the beginning of the course, articulated from the building scale up to the scale of maximum detail, developed with industrialised construction systems and components through technological solutions based on dry assembly.
The design activity is carried out in groups (each consisting of a maximum number of 3 people) under the guidance and supervision of the teaching staff, according to successive levels of technical depth, following the reiterative process of review and verification of design choices, which characterises the integrated approach to design.
The exercise activity is based on a consolidated experiential learning methodology called "learning by doing" and is carried out by simulating the work of a real design team.
The design activity also includes in the metaproject phase
- the redesign with the application of the BIM method, of technological details characterising recent innovative buildings (supported by meetings with professionals active in international research in the sector), with particular attention to alternative technologies to reinforced concrete
- an applicative part with hypotheses for setting up solutions aimed at proposing the innovation of a detail taken from the case studies, with experimentation in rapid prototyping and integrated design.
The training activity also includes
- the in-depth illustration of exemplary case studies, both national and international, referring to the period of great development of prefabrication, through the anthological collection, analysis and technological-functional understanding of 20th century industrialised architecture;
- the possible scheduling of on-site visits to significant buildings and/or construction sites and visits to leading companies in the off-site construction sector, intended as an investigative activity in the field.
Lecture slides, specific bibliographical references and other learning material to support the learning pathway are made available to students during teaching in the appropriate section of the Teaching Portal.
General bibliographic references
Zambelli E., Imperadori M., Vanoncini P., Costruzione stratificata a secco. Tecnologie edilizie innovative e metodi per la gestione del progetto, Maggioli, Santarcangelo di Romagna, 1998.
Daniels K., Advanced Building Systems: A Technical Guide for Architects and Engineers, Birkhäuser, Basel – Berlin – Boston, 2003.
Gaspari J., L’innovazione tecnologica e la sostenibilità nelle costruzioni, EdicomEdizioni, Monfalcone, 2008.
World Economic Forum and the Boston Consulting Group, Shaping the Future of Construction: A Breakthrough in Mindset and Technology, World Economic Forum, Cologny, CH, 2016
https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Shaping_the_Future_of_Construction_full_report__.pdf
Aksamija A., Integrating Innovation in Architecture: Design, Methods and Technology for Progressive Practice and Research, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey, 2017.
Stazi F., Advanced Building Envelope Components. Comparative Experiments, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, UK, 2019.
UK Government, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Modern Methods of Construction working group: developing a definition framework, March 2019
https://www.cast-consultancy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MMC-I-Pad-base_GOVUK-FINAL_SECURE.pdf
Johnston J., Delivery Platforms for Government Assets. Creating a marketplace for manufactured spaces, Bryden Wood Technologies, London, 2021
https://www.brydenwood.co.uk/filedownload.php?a=17725-613f434f0f64c
Beddiar K., Cléraux A., Chazal P., Construction hors-site. DfMA, modulaire, BIM: l’industrialisation du bâtiment, DUNOD, Malakoff, 2021 and related bibliography.
Specialist journals
The Architects Journal (www.architectsjournal.co.uk/)
Arketipo (www.arketipomagazine.it)
Azero (www.azeroweb.com)
Costruire in laterizio (www.laterizio.it)
Detail (www.detail-online.com)
Modulo (modulo.bema.it)
Perspecta (mitpress.mit.edu/books/series/perspecta)
Tema. (rivistatema.com)
The Plan (www.theplan.it)
Techne (www.sitda.net/rivista-techne.html)
Lecture slides, specific bibliographical references and other learning material to support the learning pathway are made available to students during teaching in the appropriate section of the Teaching Portal.
General bibliographic references
Zambelli E., Imperadori M., Vanoncini P., Costruzione stratificata a secco. Tecnologie edilizie innovative e metodi per la gestione del progetto, Maggioli, Santarcangelo di Romagna, 1998.
Daniels K., Advanced Building Systems: A Technical Guide for Architects and Engineers, Birkhäuser, Basel – Berlin – Boston, 2003.
Gaspari J., L’innovazione tecnologica e la sostenibilità nelle costruzioni, EdicomEdizioni, Monfalcone, 2008.
World Economic Forum and the Boston Consulting Group, Shaping the Future of Construction: A Breakthrough in Mindset and Technology, World Economic Forum, Cologny, CH, 2016
https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Shaping_the_Future_of_Construction_full_report__.pdf
Aksamija A., Integrating Innovation in Architecture: Design, Methods and Technology for Progressive Practice and Research, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey, 2017.
Stazi F., Advanced Building Envelope Components. Comparative Experiments, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, UK, 2019.
UK Government, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Modern Methods of Construction working group: developing a definition framework, March 2019
https://www.cast-consultancy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MMC-I-Pad-base_GOVUK-FINAL_SECURE.pdf
Johnston J., Delivery Platforms for Government Assets. Creating a marketplace for manufactured spaces, Bryden Wood Technologies, London, 2021
https://www.brydenwood.co.uk/filedownload.php?a=17725-613f434f0f64c
Beddiar K., Cléraux A., Chazal P., Construction hors-site. DfMA, modulaire, BIM: l’industrialisation du bâtiment, DUNOD, Malakoff, 2021 and related bibliography.
Specialist journals
The Architects Journal (www.architectsjournal.co.uk/)
Arketipo (www.arketipomagazine.it)
Azero (www.azeroweb.com)
Costruire in laterizio (www.laterizio.it)
Detail (www.detail-online.com)
Modulo (modulo.bema.it)
Perspecta (mitpress.mit.edu/books/series/perspecta)
Tema. (rivistatema.com)
The Plan (www.theplan.it)
Techne (www.sitda.net/rivista-techne.html)
Slides; Materiale multimediale ;
Lecture slides; Multimedia materials;
Modalità di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;
Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project;
...
Learning check takes place step by step, through continuous reviews and discussions of the design choices, conducted group by group or collectively, according to the reiterative phases of the integrated design process, aimed at verifying the progress of the work and the intermediate results.
The final assessment is individual.
The examination consists of the assessment of the individual oral test and the evaluation of the results of the group project activity.
The examination is taken in person.
The individual oral examination consists of 3 questions relating to the topics of the theoretical lectures and thematic seminars and their practical application in the project activity.
The assessment of the oral examination represents 50% of the final assessment.
The assessment of the results of the project activity consists of an assessment of the group oral presentation of the project in summary form, which represents 10% of the overall assessment and is completed by the subsequent assessment of the oral presentation and discussion of the project work, group by group, which represents 40% of the overall assessment.
During the summary collegial presentation, the group's ability to synthesise and communicate is verified, as well as the completeness, correctness and coherence of the contents exhibited with the contents of the project deliverables.
During the exposition and oral discussion of the project works, the ability to integrate the knowledge acquired in different lessons and contexts is assessed, as well as the ability to explain, document and critically support the synthesis choices and demonstrate their congruence at the different scales of detail. Also assessed is the degree of autonomy of judgement in choices, the acquisition and understanding of specialist knowledge and the ability to apply it correctly and critically.
Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.
Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project;
Learning check takes place step by step, through continuous reviews and discussions of the design choices, conducted group by group or collectively, according to the reiterative phases of the integrated design process, aimed at verifying the progress of the work and the intermediate results.
The final assessment is individual.
The examination consists of the assessment of the individual oral test and the evaluation of the results of the group project activity.
The examination is taken in person.
The individual oral examination consists of 3 questions relating to the topics of the theoretical lectures and thematic seminars and their practical application in the project activity. The maximum duration of the oral examination is 15 minutes.
The assessment of the oral examination represents 50% of the final assessment.
The assessment of the results of the project activity consists of an assessment of the group oral presentation of the project in summary form, which represents 10% of the overall assessment and is completed by the subsequent assessment of the oral presentation and discussion of the project work, group by group, which represents 40% of the overall assessment.
During the summary collegial presentation, the group's ability to synthesise and communicate is verified, as well as the completeness, correctness and coherence of the contents exhibited with the contents of the project deliverables. The summary collegial presentation will be held at the end of the course lessons.
During the exposition and oral discussion of the project works, the ability to integrate the knowledge acquired in different lessons and contexts is assessed, as well as the ability to explain, document and critically support the synthesis choices and demonstrate their congruence at the different scales of detail. Also assessed is the degree of autonomy of judgement in choices, the acquisition and understanding of specialist knowledge and the ability to apply it correctly and critically. There are no intermediate deadlines for the submission of project deliverables, which will be corrected in class on a weekly basis and delivered directly at the exam.
In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.