The aim of this course is to provide methods and tools to understand the relationship between building technology and architectural design, according to the performance-design approach which constitutes its theoretical basis.

The course introduces an integrative approach to a range of factors that influence technological design development, from materials to building units.

The expected learning outcomes:
- the ways buildings are constructed, also drawing at different scales;
- functional roles and performances of each building part (including basics on materials, products and building elements);
- the consequences of building choices, taking into account the users' needs and the context;
- the building process: phases, agents, sustainability and overall environmental quality.

The expected skills:
- expression through technical drawing and language, also in order to use manuals and different technical information sources;
- knowledge of the language and the methodological approach needed to comprehend the regulations and building design and its technological systems.

No specific requirements are necessary for a full understanding of the lessons.

The course is subdivided in two parts.

The main lectures on the technological approach:
- definition of design and meaning of architectural technology;
- definition of environment and spatial unit;
- definition of the general approach, identification of users and analysis of related requirements;
- definition of building process;
- definition of building quality.

The main lectures on the technological units of a building:
- structure and foundation systems;
- wall, floor and roof systems;
- window systems;
- internal partitions.

Lectures on construction materials will be carried out.

The course is organized into lessons (80%) and exercises (20%).

Exercises, carried out individually, in order to verify the knowledge of lecture’s topics and the practice in technical drawing, will be partially developed in the classroom and will be completed autonomously.

The course may also includes technical seminars with manufacturers of building components and technical visits to Laboratorio di Sistemi Tecnologici Innovativi of the Department of Architecture and Design.

As theoretical references the following publications are suggested:
- AMERIO, C., CANAVESIO, G., Tecniche e elementi costruttivi, SEI, Torino 2005.
- AMERIO, C., CANAVESIO, G., Materiali per l’edilizia, SEI, Torino 2005.
- ARBIZZANI, E., Tecnologia dei sistemi edilizi: progetto e costruzione, Maggioli Editore, Santarcangelo di Romagna 2011.
- BOCCO, A., CAVAGLIÀ, G., Cultura tecnologica dell’architettura: pensieri e parole prima dei disegni, Carocci, Roma 2008.
- CAMPIOLI, A., LAVAGNA, M., Tecniche e architettura, Città Studi, Milano 2013.
- TORRICELLI, M. C., DEL NORD, R., FELLI, P., Materiali e tecnologie dell’architettura, Laterza, Roma 2001.

Students are also invited to study ONE of the suggested books:
- BUTERA, F., Dalla caverna alla casa ecologica: storia del comfort e dell’energia, Edizioni Ambiente, Milano 2007.
- MUNARI, B., Da cosa nasce cosa: appunti per una metodologia progettuale, Laterza, Bari 1981.
- LEVY, M., SALVADORI, M., Perché gli edifici cadono, Strumenti Bompiani, Milano 1997.
- SALVADORI, M., Perché gli edifici stanno in piedi, Strumenti Bompiani, Milano 1990.
- FRIEDMAN, Y., L’architettura di sopravvivenza: una filosofia della povertà, Bollati Boringhieri, Torino 2009.

Useful references for studying will be provided during class.

In addition, support documentation for the theoretical study and the exercise activity will be made available by the course web-site.

The students’ learning performance assessment will be carried out through a written test that grants admission to the oral assessment.

The written test, lasting 2 hour and 15 minutes, consists of open questions, multiple choices questions and drawings on the topics presented during lectures.

Oral assessment consists of the discussion of: teaching program, exercises and ONE of the suggested books.
Duration: approximately 20'.
At the oral exam students will have to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the content of the lectures developed during the course;
- demonstrate knowledge in technical drawing;
- discuss the exercises carried out during the course;
- explain critically the contents of the selected book.