BUILDING REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGIES

The course addresses principles, tools and methods for managing the quality of the built environment through a systemic approach, with particular reference to the reuse, refurbishment and maintenance of the building stock. Taught in English, the course also contributes to the acquisition of specialist technical language and exposes students to an international perspective on building and urban rehabilitation.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• know and understand the basic tools and methods for the design and management of interventions concerning the reuse, refurbishment and maintenance of the building stock;
• understand the role of process, design and product innovation in interventions on the built environment at different scales, from the urban and landscape context to construction details;
• understand the principles governing the compatibility of interventions with the conservation of material culture, taking into account the regulatory framework, resources and constraints of the built environment.

Applying knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• apply methods and tools for analysis and design to reuse, refurbishment and maintenance interventions;
• identify and develop technological solutions that are compatible with the characteristics of the building and its context;
• develop design proposals at different scales, including the definition of technological solutions and construction details.

Making judgements

Students will be able to critically and independently assess strategies and solutions for the rehabilitation of the built environment, comparing alternatives in relation to requirements, constraints, resources and contextual conditions.

Communication skills

Students will be able to communicate the outcomes of analysis and design activities through drawings and technical-descriptive documents, appropriately using discipline-specific technical language, including in English.

Learning skills

Students will develop the ability to independently explore topics, methods and tools related to the rehabilitation of the built environment, including through the consultation of international scientific and technical literature.

The course includes theoretical lectures, seminars and practical exercises.

The theoretical lectures are aimed at providing the knowledge and methodological tools related to the rehabilitation of the built environment. Seminars will provide opportunities to explore specific topics and case studies in greater depth, including through discussion of research and professional experiences.

Practical exercises are aimed at applying the knowledge acquired through activities involving the analysis of the built environment, the mapping and interpretation of deterioration phenomena, the assessment of compatibility for reuse, and the development of design solutions.

Optional in-course learning assessments may be scheduled in the form of written exercises with open-ended questions and the preparation of graphic work, with the aim of monitoring and supporting students’ self-assessment of their learning progress.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above in order to ensure consistency with the Syllabus.

Basic knowledge of architectural representation, architectural drawing and surveying, and architectural technology is required. In particular, students should be able to read and produce drawings at different scales and should have basic knowledge of building systems, materials and technical building components.

Knowledge of English at B1 level is also required.

Attendance is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended. Active participation in teaching activities supports the acquisition of specific disciplinary skills and the ability to integrate knowledge related to the analysis of the built environment, reuse, refurbishment and maintenance processes, and the development of compatible design solutions.

Attendance also encourages critical discussion of the topics addressed, interaction with fellow students and the lecturer, and the development of greater awareness of one’s own learning process.

The course addresses principles, tools and methods for building and urban rehabilitation, with particular reference to the analysis of the built environment, the definition of intervention strategies compatible with the values of the existing building stock, and the adaptation of buildings to contemporary use requirements.

The following topics will be explored:

• methods and tools for analysing the built environment and identifying requirements, critical issues and potential;
• criteria for defining reuse, refurbishment and maintenance strategies;
• principles of compatibility between transformation interventions and values of the building stock;
• design solutions aimed at adapting buildings to contemporary use requirements;
• strategies for improving the performance of existing buildings;
• tools and methods to support clients and designers in the development of building rehabilitation projects.

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.

The course includes a final examination consisting of an oral interview conducted in English, which also includes a critical discussion of the work produced during the course.

The assessment is intended to evaluate:

1. knowledge and understanding of the topics addressed during the course;
2. the ability to present and discuss topics clearly and appropriately, demonstrating command of discipline-specific technical language;
3. the ability to independently and critically establish connections among the knowledge acquired;
4. the ability to justify and manage design choices in relation to the expected quality levels, through the critical discussion of the work produced during the course.

The final assessment will take into account the level of knowledge and understanding of the course contents, the ability to apply the knowledge acquired, autonomy of judgement, critical argumentation skills, and command of technical language.

Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’Integrazione Attiva e Partecipata – Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their Department.

The following are provided purely as examples of possible examination questions:

• What is the role of knowledge in the rehabilitation of the built environment?
• What does the assessment of compatibility for reuse involve?
• What role can technological innovation play in building rehabilitation processes?
• What relationships exist between the circular economy and the built environment?
• What criteria and tools can be used to map and interpret degradation phenomena?

Some examples of exercise topics are also provided:

• mapping and interpretation of degradation phenomena;
• assessment of compatibility for reuse;
• development of design solutions for the rehabilitation of the built environment.