97307 - Green Infrastructure

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student acquires the knowledge on the theme of ecological and green infrastructures and in general on the improvement of territory quality, with particular reference to topic of treatment and disposal of waste water, wetland and natural swimming pools. In addition, the student will be able to identify the most suitable solutions depending on the territorial and environmental context and positive effects of the adoption of nature-based solutions.

Course contents

Prerequisites: The student who accesses this teaching has a good preparation in the fundamentals of mathematics, statistics and physics.

Module 1 (30 hours) – Prof. Marco Bovo

The module includes theoretical lessons, practice exercise activities also using computer tools as CAD software, seminars. The lessons will focus on topics related to the study and analysis of green infrastructures directly connected to the buildings. Specifically, the frontal lessons will focus on the following topics:

• green walls. Study and analysis of solutions aimed at growing of vegetation in building and constructions façades in different contexts.
• green roofs. Study and analysis of the roof slab characteristics, classification of green roofs, elements and layers composing the roof garden structure, materials and component.
• green structures for thermal conditioning and energy saving. Studies and analysis of green facades, screen and shading effects, building heating and thermal insulation requirements, building cooling e thermal inertia requirements, basic concepts of heat islands, integrated design of green roof with solar and photovoltaic panels.
• Green systems for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater and meteoric waters.
• Green systems in infrastructure and mobility, nature-based solutions.
• Wetland, natural swimming pool and aquatic gardens: types and examples of design.
• Infrastructure and techniques for soil support.

The activities in the computer laboratory involve the graphical representation of a concept design of a topic proposed by the teacher. In particular, the student will represent general layouts, functional schemes, construction details and architectural-structural elements. The final graphic documents and design will be discussed and reviewed in the class and then evaluated during the final exam.

Expected results: at the end of the course the student knows the main features of vegetation growth in the building sector, is able to identify the main effects of the green structures on building thermal conditioning and, therefore, on the energy saving. The student knows the main features of wetland, natural swimming pools and system for treatment of wastewater. Further, the student knows and manage the phases from the design to the realization of green paths.

Module 2 (20 hours) – Prof. Alessandro Quadri

This module addresses the environmental aspects of biosystems engineering applied to green infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the functioning of green systems integrated into the built environment and Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The following topics will be covered:

• Constructed Wetlands and Natural Swimming Pools: operating principles and the integration of technological and vegetative components.
• Green Roofs: characteristics, integration, and general criteria for the selection of technological and vegetative components; functions and interactions among the different layers, with particular reference to the main design and management aspects of vegetated roof systems.
• Green Walls: characteristics, integration, and general criteria for the selection of technological and vegetative components; design and management aspects in relation to plant cultivation requirements and environmental and site-specific conditions.
• Building-Integrated Urban Agriculture Systems: general overview, definitions, and the main functions of urban agriculture within urban systems. The principal types of building-integrated urban agriculture systems and an introduction to indoor cultivation systems, with particular reference to their technological, environmental, productive, and management aspects.

Expected Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the module, students will understand the main environmental aspects of biosystems engineering applied to green infrastructure and the role of natural processes in the functioning of constructed wetlands, green roofs, green walls, and building-integrated agriculture systems. Students will also acquire knowledge of the general principles governing the integration and selection of technological and vegetative components across the different types of green infrastructure.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes given by the professors represent the necessary base for preparing the exam if integrated by notes taken by students during the lessons. For further in-depth study of specific subjects and in particular in case the student cannot attend the lessons or can attend only part of them, it is warmly recommended to refer to specific chapters of the following books:

• Floriana Romagnolli (2013) Fitodepurazione Editore Flaccovio. Palermo.
• Mauro Lajo Paul Luther (2012) Biopiscine progettazione ed esecuzione. Gruppo editoriale Esselibri. Napoli.
• ISPRA (2012) Verde pensile: prestazioni di sistema e valore ecologico. Manuale 78.3/ 2012 (disponibile su internet).
• R. Maggio, N. Mordà (2016) Progetto delle piste ciclabili. Maggioli Editore.
• UNI 11235:2007 “Istruzioni per la progettazione, l' esecuzione, il controllo e la manutenzione di coperture a verde”
• Paolo Abram «Giardini pensili. Coperture a verde e gestione delle acque meteoriche» 2004 – Gruppo editoriale Esselibri
• Antonella Bellomo «Pareti verdi. Nuove tecniche» Sistemi Editoriali SE, Gruppo editoriale Esselibri
• Oscar Eugenio Bellini, Laura Daglio «Verde verticale, aspetti figurativi, ragioni funzionali e soluzioni tecniche nella realizzazione di living walls e green façades» Maggioli Editore
• Annibale Sicurella «Progettare il verde. Tecniche e soluzioni» Sistemi Editoriali SE, Gruppo editoriale Esselibri--
• «Verde: naturalizzare in verticale» a cura di Valerio Tatano, Maggioli Editore
• Rosato, P., Berto, R., Stival, C. A., Cechet, G., & Valcovich, E. (2015). Le coperture verdi: Implicazioni tecnologiche, strutturali, energetiche ed economico-sociali. EUT.
• Corrado, M. (2010). “Il” verde verticale. Sistemi Editoriali SE, Gruppo editoriale Esselibri
• Abram, P. (2011). Il verde pensile: progettazione dei sistemi, manutenzione. Sistemi editoriali.
• Orsini, F., Pennisi, G., & Gianquinto, G. P. (Eds.). (2023). Agricoltura urbana: tecnologie, sistemi e innovazione. Edagricole.
• Dover, J. W. (2015). Green infrastructure: incorporating plants and enhancing biodiversity in buildings and urban environments. Routledge.
• Pérez, G., & Perini, K. (Eds.). (2018). Nature based strategies for urban and building sustainability. Butterworth-Heinemann.

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures, coupled with CAD practical activities, seminars and study visits. The theoretical units, consisting of lectures, will be preparatory to the practical activities. The latter aim at the preparation of a final document that will be individually realized under the teacher supervision.

Assessment methods

The knowledge and skills of this course are assessed in the following way. During the final exam, the knowledge and skills acquired on the course are assessed.

The learning evaluation of the contents involves an oral exam in which the teachers will evaluate:

• the final documents;
• their defense;
• knowledge and preparation achieved on the theoretical part through specific questions.

The overall assessment is made by the Commission taking into account:

• for the theoretical part: the knowledge and skill level achieved by the student on the contents of all the teaching units;
• for the graphic documents: the contents, clarity, consistency, and graphical quality.

Marks are expressed as a score out of 30.

To pass the exam the student has to show to have acquired sufficient knowledge on the main contents of the all the teaching units. To achieve the honors, an autonomous and competent capability to deal with in-depth analysis on the discussed subjects is required.

Examination dates, times and locations are published on the degree course website. Subscription to exams through the AlmaEsami web application.

Students with specific learning disabilities (DSA) or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is recommended to contact the responsible university office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en): it will be their task to propose any adaptations to the interested students, which must be submitted for approval by the teacher at least 15 days in advance, who will assess their appropriateness in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Overhead projector and PC.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Bovo

See the website of Alessandro Quadri