04499 - Environmental Planning (A)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module the student possesses basic knowledge relating to the fundamental issues that characterize the relationship between buildings, the environment and available resources, deepening tools and approaches to design that are attentive to the needs of environmental sustainability within the framework of strategies for the control and management of processes buildings.

Course contents

The Architectural Construction Studio I (Integrated Course) consists of the integrated modules Technological Design – 8 ECTS, Environmental Design 1 – 2 ECTS, and Environmental Design 2 – 2 ECTS. The final examination is a single integrated assessment that brings together the contributions of the different modules.

Environmental Design addresses the relationship between buildings, the environment, and available resources, with particular attention to the material culture of architecture, natural and artificial materials, traditional and modern techniques, processes of transformation of the built environment, and the conditions that inform conscious design choices.

The module contributes to the Integrated Studio by providing tools for interpretation, analysis, and assessment that support and inform the technological and construction choices developed in the final project, in coordination with Technological Design.

Module 1

• materials and construction techniques of historic and traditional architecture;
• sources, technical manuals, and the material culture of building construction;
• natural building materials: timber, stone, brick, mortars, and concrete;
• methods for sourcing, preparing, processing, and using materials;
• relationships between construction techniques, production processes, local contexts, and craft knowledge;
• criteria for interpreting historic and modern buildings and preliminary assessment of the causes of deterioration.

Module 2

• the relationship between design, environment, and resources in contemporary building processes;
• environmental and performance criteria supporting design choices developed within the Studio;
• sustainability strategies, responsible use of resources, and reduction of impacts throughout the building life cycle;
• thematic focuses on technological and environmental aspects to be integrated into the final project;
• connections between knowledge of materials, environmental performance, use, maintenance, and the adaptability of the building system.

Integration with Technological Design

The contents of Environmental Design are developed in coordination with Technological Design. Knowledge relating to materials, techniques, resources, and sustainability forms an integral part of the rationale underlying the construction, technological, and performance-related choices required for the Studio's final project.

Readings/Bibliography

Required readings

Conti, G., La materia dell’architettura, Foschi, Forlì, 2010.

Conti, G., La pratica dell’architettura, Maggioli, Rimini, 2011.

Recommended readings

Additional references and supplementary materials will be indicated during the lectures and made available through the Virtuale platform, according to the specific topics addressed in the two modules.

Teaching methods

Teaching activities include:

• lectures and thematic introductions;

• analysis of case studies, materials, and construction techniques;

• thematic sessions with local companies and/or professionals from the building sector;

• in-depth thematic sessions coordinated with the development of the Studio project;

• individual discussions and review sessions in preparation for the Integrated Studio's final examination.

Assessment methods

A final oral examination, integrated with the examination of the Architectural Construction Studio I, is required. The oral examination assesses the acquisition of theoretical knowledge related to the topics addressed during the lectures and further explored through the required readings and the materials provided during the course.

The final assessment also includes knowledge of the technological and environmental aspects addressed through the thematic focuses, as well as the ability to relate them to the choices developed in the Studio's final project.

Assessment of the Environmental Design component

The assessment of the Environmental Design component takes into account the following criteria:

• accuracy and completeness of knowledge concerning materials, construction techniques, the environment, and resources;
• ability to relate theoretical content to the design choices developed within the Studio project;
• critical awareness of sustainability, resource use, material culture, and building processes;
• clarity of presentation and appropriate use of technical terminology;
• ability to discuss and explain the relationships between environmental, technological, and construction aspects.

A passing grade corresponds to an essential understanding of the topics covered and the ability to establish basic connections with the project. A good grade corresponds to sound knowledge and an appropriate ability to discuss and explain the topics. An excellent grade corresponds to a thorough command of the course content, critical awareness, and the ability to integrate this knowledge effectively into the Studio project.

Determination of the overall grade for the Integrated Studio

Consistently with the integrated nature of the examination, the overall grade for the Architectural Construction Studio I (Integrated Course) is determined jointly by the lecturers of the different modules, based on the integrated discussion of the final project and the assessment of the respective course contents. The assessments obtained in the individual modules contribute to the overall evaluation, but the final grade is not determined through a simple automatic arithmetic average.

 

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or with temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly recommended to contact the University Office in charge, at the following address: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it. The Office will propose any necessary adjustments, which must in any case be submitted at least 15 days in advance for the approval of the course lecturer, who will assess their appropriateness also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Attention:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a useful tool to support individual study through further exploration, summaries, and self-assessment activities.

With regard to the assessment, only limited, declared, and non-substantial use of AI is permitted for support tasks, such as summarizing or rephrasing content. Substantial use of AI to complete any part of the assessment is not allowed.

Teaching tools

Course materials are made available through the Virtuale platform. Students can further explore the topics covered in the course by following the references and suggestions provided during lectures and by using the University's library resources.

The main learning resources include:

• materials presented during lectures and shared through the Virtuale platform;
• bibliographic resources available through the University's libraries;
• in-person lectures and activities;
• additional materials, case studies, and technical documentation related to the thematic focuses.

Office hours

See the website of Giordano Conti

See the website of Saveria Olga Murielle Boulanger