Building engineering and architecture

The course explores the building system as a multi-layered construct, integrating spatial, technological, structural, descriptive, and procedural dimensions. Emphasis is placed on energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and digital innovation in architectural design. A. Spatial Configuration and Functional Integration Analysis of site-specific parameters: urban and natural context, solar orientation, microclimate, accessibility, and infrastructural connectivity. Design strategies for climate resilience (SuDS), inclusive architecture, and fire safety through spatial distribution. B. Technological Systems and Environmental Control Evaluation of building envelope performance: passive systems (thermal insulation, thermal mass, ventilated façades, solar chimneys) and active systems (renewable energy integration, HVAC). Material technologies and construction solutions for energy optimization. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and design for environmental impact mitigation. C. Structural Systems and Usable Space Definition Design principles for load-bearing systems: structural morphology, soil-structure interaction, seismic design (dynamic behavior, mass-stiffness relationships), and advanced structural typologies (tall buildings, space frames, cantilevers, parametric grids). Construction techniques: frame systems (reinforced concrete, steel, glulam) and wall systems (masonry, CLT, reinforced concrete). D. Descriptive Systems and Digital Modeling Digital representation of the building system: from CAD to BIM. Taxonomic frameworks for geometric, constructive, and performance-based classification. Ontological and informatic structures for integrated design management. E. Procedural Systems and Artificial Intelligence Design as a phased process: programming, preliminary, detailed, and executive stages. Performance specifications and quality control (product and process). Applications of generative, algorithmic, and predictive AI in architectural design. DESIGN STUDIO Development of a small-scale architectural project with specific reference to the course topics: contextual integration and assessment of environmental conditions, relationship between form and construction feasibility, including structural choices related to the definition of spaces and volumes, energy efficiency, environmental protection, and accessibility. Detailed design of a construction subsystem. The design studio may alternatively focus on: • stone architecture design, exploring industrial techniques and artisanal traditions, aimed at developing a prototype for the Marmomac Meets Academies event at the Verona Fair; • research and development of an innovation in the building-architecture sector to be realized and exhibited at Maker Faire Rome. PRACTICAL AND SEMINAR ACTIVITIES • Digital modeling (shared BIM model, parametric modeling with Rhinoceros and Grasshopper) • Resilience to extreme climate events: flooding and hydraulic invariance • Accessibility assessment using the AVLA application, addressing physical, semantic, cultural, and psychological barriers • Dynamic energy simulation with Ladybug Tools for Grasshopper • Multi-objective optimization applied to design decisions aimed at energy efficiency Optional Workshops: 1. Cultural exchange workshop with the Faculty of Architecture at H_DA Darmstadt (held alternately in Rome and Darmstadt) 2. End-of-course workshop applying tools learned in seminars and supported by Artificial Intelligence (positive evaluation grants exemption from the oral exam)

Students are expected to have: - Knowledge of the building system, including the classification of spaces and constructed components, and their hierarchical and functional relationships. - Basic notions of structural mechanics (statics) and building physics. - Ability to represent architectural projects using appropriate graphic conventions. - Foundational understanding of technical drawing principles. - Basic knowledge of analytical and descriptive geometry. Course prerequisites: - Architettura tecnica I - Statica (for students enrolled under degree code 29922, academic year of enrolment ≤ 2024) - Fisica Tecnica Ambientale (for students enrolled under degree code 33470, academic year of enrolment ≥ 2025)

PDF documents downloadable from the course web page For distance teaching, lessons and all course material are made available through the Google Classroom application, according to the indications of the Faculty and Degree Course Presidency.

Compulsory attendance at design workshops. Strongly recommended attendance at lectures and tutorials, also in view of the lack of textbooks related to examination topics

Assessment methods • 10% – Active participation and commitment in the design laboratory. • 10% – Active participation in practical exercises (advanced energy modelling, accessibility, parametric design). • 50% – Evaluation of the design work and overall performance in the design laboratory. • 30% – Oral examination focused on the critical assessment of the architectural implications of design choices, specifically: First question: structural system. Second question: building envelope. The oral examination may be replaced by participation in the Advanced Design Workshop held at the end of the academic year, if activated. In this case, the evaluation of the workshop outcome replaces the oral examination with the same weighting in the overall assessment.

Allen E., I fondamenti del costruire, Mc Graw-HillChing F.D.K. Salvatori- Heller, Le strutture in architettura, Etas, 1992. Rivista “Detail”, Institut für Internationale Architektur-Dokumentation, Monaco. Rivista “Il Sole 24 Ore – Arketipo”, Il Sole 24 Ore, Milano. Collana “Grandi Atlanti di Architettura”, UTET, Torino

- Classes with strongly recommended attendance: Monday 12:00-13:30 - Project workshop with compulsory attendance: Monday 14:30-19:00 - Exercises: Wednesday 9:00-10:30 - Application seminars with strongly recommended attendance: Wednesday 10:30-12:00 - Classes with strongly recommended attendance: Wednesday 12:00-13:30 - Remote classes may be made up with asynchronous teaching NOTE: The timetable is based on the typical organisation of previous years. It may vary for the current year even after classes have begun (in this case, subject to agreement with students) due to organisational requirements of the Faculty