bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From Nature to Architecture for Low Tech Solutions: Biomimetic Principles for Climate-Adaptive Building Envelope
Authors: Sommese Francesco , Ausiello Gigliola 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBuilding envelopes represent the interface between indoor and outdoor environmental factors. In recent years, attention to climate adaptive building envelopes has increased. However, some types of adaptive envelopes don’t always offer low-tech solutions, but require energy for their activation and high operating and maintenance costs. Nature has always proposed a large database of adaptation strategies that are often complex, multi-functional, and responsive. Transferring the functional principles of natural organisms and their associated adaptive modalities to technologies is the challenge of the biomimetic discipline (from Greek bios, life, and mimesis, imitation) applied to the field of architecture. In this article, various examples of biomimetic architecture that illustrate the relationships between biology, architecture, and technology, were considered. Various analyses of the operating principles of natural organisms are carried out, particularly with regard to self-adapting materials, in order to transfer them to the building envelope, and to propose technological solutions capable of passively adapting to external climatic conditions. Among all natural organisms, plants are prefereble to animals because, like buildings, they remain stationary in a specific location. Despite this, plants have developed different adaptation mechanisms to survive in certain environments. Buildings with biomimetic adaptive envelopes, characterized by passive and low-tech solutions inspired by plants, help limit energy consumption, and improve not only the indoor microclimate but also the outdoor environment. In line with the ecological transition, this work highlights the importance of biomimetic as a strategy to orient the new paradigms of built space design towards innovative and sustainable models of low-tech solutions.
The Digital Revolution and the Art of Co-creation
Authors: Talamo Maurizio 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe digital transformation process is creating a system of new digital technologies that will give rise to an autonomous ecosystem capable of predicting and determining what will happen in the physical world. The digital twin seen as a moment of creation of a self-named digital model (digital alter ego) and guided in its design by an artificial intelligence can be a source of concern, questioning the central role of the person and of his intelligence in the creative process. The most important problems are: Artificial intelligence capacity to extend its capabilities in a unpredictable way and the inability to understand how artificial intelligence builds its solutions. After hinting at the roots of this problems, we will introduce co-creation as a new way of conceiving the collaboration between the human being and artificial intelligence. Co-creation requires to solve the problems outlined above and this could perhaps define new frontiers of creativity.
Life Cycle Assessment at the Early Stage of Building Design
Authors: Dalla Valle Anna 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn view of the urgent need to construct informed and advanced vision of the built environment in terms of environmental impacts, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is even more emerging as the most recognized supporting tool for Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) practices. This is proved by Level(s), a voluntary framework established in Europe that is fully life cycle-based, looking buildings beyond energy performance to the whole life cycle, while fostering the implementation of circular economy strategies. To face buildings complexity, it recommends applying life cycle approach with an increasing level of detail and accuracy, shifting from the assessment of carbon emissions to complete cradle to grave LCA. In this context, many calls for competitions at the reach of environmentally sustainability include Level(s) measures as reference frame to deal with. The paper provides insights of building LCA application performed during the preliminary design phases, since crucial for the decision-making process especially if operating into competition aimed at minimizing environmental impacts. In particular, a sample of building projects developed to address an international architecture competition specifically committed to decarbonization issues in compliance with Level(s) is discussed. Starting from a concrete in situ scenario, the attention is on integrating dry assembled solutions composed of environmental-friendly materials. Results show range of carbon footprint of low-carbon buildings in relation to building shape and volume, outlining building parts that generally contribute to highest release of CO2 and providing effective technological solutions. The aim is to support AEC practitioners in the design and implementation of buildings embracing a life cycle approach starting from the early design process.
Remanufacturing Towards Circularity in the Construction Sector: The Role of Digital Technologies
Authors: Atta Nazly 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAmong the different circular strategies, remanufacturing proves to be particularly interesting since it aims to maintain the value of building components overtime extending their lifespan by guaranteeing multiple consequent cycles of use, overcoming in this way the most common down-cycling logics. However, unlike other industrial fields which already benefit from remanufacturing, the construction sector delays to adopt this practice due to barriers of different nature, namely organizational, information, technical, regulatory and economic. Among these barriers, the first two can now be addressed more effectively thanks to the support of Information and Communication Technologies. The latter offer the possibility of real-time monitoring, remote communication and scenario modeling, opening up to innovative solutions for remanufacturing. Hence, the paper aims to investigate how the application of ICTs can support the cognitive and organizational processes related to remanufacturing of building components. In particular, the paper explores the application of sensing technologies, digital twins and information platforms and assess their potential to support the implementation of circular service-based remanufacturing models in the construction sector.
Integrated Design Approach to Build a Safe and Sustainable Dual Intended Use Center in Praslin Island, Seychelles
Authors: Gattulli Vincenzo , Palumbo Elisabetta , Vannini Carlo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA flexible multi-purpose center for a dual intended use—hospitality and observation and research related to climate change—has been designed in the fragile environment of Praslin Island, Seychelles. The technical solutions adopted for a low environmental impact LCA based in the designed center during the life cycle will be illustrated: starting from the local supply raw materials, the self-disassembling construction system, the described process is compatible with the site use that the owners have foreseen. Specific logistic systems have been chosen both to the transportation of the material on the site, and to the integrated structural and architectural solutions. In addition, a reconstruction of the natural characteristics of the building site has been developed both by google-earth observation and with a survey directly on the site through processing acquired images. The multi-disciplinary perspective through which the project has been conceived shows beneficial effects in terms of reduced impact on the original and resilient natural environment. Future developments of the work will be devoted to the optimization of this multi-disciplinary approach.
Climate Change: New Ways to Inhabit the Earth
Authors: Cangelli Eliana 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe text begins by proposing a critical reading of the climate crisis, aimed at pointing out the need for a collective consciousness allowing solutions to be found that are unbound by having to maintain the current economic model. After a brief history of the environmental issue identifying the commitment of the technology of architecture in this topic, a research framework linked to the environmental and technological design of the built environment is proposed. The paper closes with considerations on research prospects for the transformation of cities, of use for pursuing the reduction of climate change, as emerged at the conference.
The Climate Report Informing the Response to Climate Change in Urban Development
Authors: Pirani Anna 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe IPCC Climate Report was published in three volumes in August 2021, and February and April 2022. An overview of the key findings, sourced from these reports that are relevant for the resilient development of urban areas, is summarized in this paper. It is the authoritative, comprehensive assessment of the climate change, including the physical aspects, impacts and adaptation, and mitigation. Human-caused climate change has affected global and regional climate, including extremes and drivers of impacts with consequences for human and natural systems. Cities, urban areas, and settlements, for example in Europe, are particularly exposed to future risks. At the same time, there are multiple opportunities to address climate change both through adaptation and mitigation action with urban development. There are multiple synergies and co-benefits the responses to climate change and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Urban Riverfront Greenway: A Linear Attractor for Sustainable Urban Development
Authors: Mastrolonardo Luciana 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe strategy for sustainable mobility of December 2020 by the European Commission defines the alignment of the transport sector with the European Green Deal, for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions related to transport by 2050. This involves linear infrastructure of sustainable mobility in our cities. The research has a focus on strategies to increase sustainable travel, with a view to improving the quality of public space and reducing the weight of heavy transport. A coordinated planning directs actions toward mitigation tools and sharing of public spaces through necessarily systemic interventions, which identify a common scenario, involving increased use of city greenways connected with urban node. Working on the level of cycling in Pescara case study (IT) means to act to a systemic approach involving different kind of action on infrastructure and on active participation of inhabitants. Among all a focus was developed on the urban greenway on the riverfront, crossing stretches of great environmental and landscape quality with its seven kilometers, which potentially could connect peripherals part of the cities, currently in a state of semi-abandonment. The Biciplan guidelines, meeting the objective by a project involving youth activism, could help achieve sustainability objectives and improve environmental performance, starting from its integrated enhancement, developing the axis in an urban sense, reconnecting the city and improving the peripheral mobility of the city. The consequence of coordinated planning and directing actions toward mitigation tools are followed in the reduction of emissions at the local level, contributing to proximity of travel.
The Buildings Reuse for a Music District Aimed at a Sustainable Urban Development
Authors: Radogna Donatella 
Published: June 2023

AbstractReusing buildings must be ‘convenient’ for the environment and for people, therefore it must re-establish a balance between places and communities which, interacting, determine a continuous transformation of cities. The reuse of buildings is a sustainable development process that implies phases of adaptation and qualitative growth to create safe, healthy, useful, attractive and beautiful places. The objective of the guidelines for the music district of Pescara (research for the conservatory) is to establish activities linked to music, culture and socialization, for the expansion of the ‘Luisa D'Annunzio’ Conservatory (through the reuse of the former Muzii middle school owned by the municipality) and provides the city with inclusive and beautiful places for all. The needs of different users (students of the conservatory and citizens) and those expressed by the client (music teachers and musicians) are considered to ensure the sustainability of the initiative through the integration of activities fit for restoring economic and social ‘gain’, according to an ecological approach. In providing the addresses for the required spaces, it was important to hypothesize additional functions and spaces to reborn the city with inclusion and beauty. The reuse of the former middle school was deemed ‘convenient’ (just as music is effective in restoring social inclusion and cultural development) thanks to the resilience capacities found. The proximity between the former school and the conservatory does not require substantial connection works and the proximity to the urban parks, the sea and the most ‘lively’ area of the urban center demonstrates an aptitude of the place for social reception thanks also to pedestrian and cycle paths. The spaces of the former classrooms are suitable for music teaching and recording studios as other existing spaces are for a music hub and other functions for the conservatory and the city, with a view to sustainable urban development.
Environmental Design for a Sustainable District and Civic Hub
Authors: Mussinelli Elena , Tartaglia Andrea , Castaldo Giovanni 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe paper presents the results of a design-based research focused on a specific context in the city of Milan (Municipality 4), where a holistic approach to a fruitive and environmental regeneration was experimented. The proposed design-based approach integrates the functional and fruitive reactivation of public space with analysis, simulations and assessments on the possible application of nature-based solutions (NBS) to increase urban resilience, comfort and public space usability. In addition to increasing the environmental benefits (ecosystem services) at the district scale, the project aims to strengthen the ecological connections at the wide area, stressing the necessity of a systemic approach in the GBI’s development. The paper illustrates both the methodological and framing aspects of the experimentation and the project results, verified through a consolidated methodology for the assessment of the expected environmental benefits. The research project contributes in developing new approaches to the deep renovation of public space in urban and peri-urban contexts, that are a priority in the current Italian scenario.
Earth Observation Technologies for Mitigating Urban Climate Changes
Authors: Cinquepalmi Federico , Piras Giuseppe 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSince 2010 United Nations declared that for the first time in history up to 50% of mankind is living in urban areas, implying that challenges connected with global changes need to be evaluated primarily within urban systems, using the most advanced available technologies. Earth observation is nowadays the most promising field of research assisting urban planners, city managers, and building designers in their work of improving urban resilience to cope with climate change effects, and the long-term changes connected with extreme climatic events. Even though the deep understanding of the functioning of urban systems is a key factor for improving the quality of life at all levels, urban development is still poorly monitored globally, and reliable and comparable satellite urban data across countries is still limited, slowing down international comparative research. The Copernicus UE programme, replacing the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme, recognizes the strategic importance of Earth observation for emergency management. Copernicus programme provides global, continuous, autonomous, high quality, wide-area Earth and Atmosphere observation. Copernicus links Space observations to ground-based and atmospheric data collection and processing, providing operational services in the fields of environment, ground infrastructures, civil protection, and security, supporting the implementation of a large number of sectorial and transversal public policies. Of the six thematic macro-areas of the present programme observation and ground monitoring of the European urban systems lies in the first thematic area of the land monitoring service. The enormous and continuous data generation from the Copernicus programme is allowing the construction of an accurate and up-to-date database to the state of health of our cities and surrounding environments, providing research materials simply inconceivable only a few decades ago.
Metropolitan Farms: Long Term Agri-Food Systems for Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Authors: Paganin Giancarlo , Orsini Filippo , Migliore Marco , Venis Konstantinos , Poli Matteo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn the past decade, urban agriculture (UA) has attracted significant attention from urban planners and city managers as a sustainable, nature-based, and smart solution that may generate positive impacts for resilience, self-reliance, and social, economic, and environmental sustainability of cities. UA appears as an effective means to address climate change while also fostering urban transitions to sustainability in many ways, such as creating new commons, amenities, ecosystem services, reinventing urbanity, and encouraging community building by growing local food. Since UA is a strategy to support the re-configuration of more sustainable and resilient cities, it can be considered a seedbed for innovation. Based on these premises, the STRutture Agricole MEtropolitane (STRAME) research project aims at defining an innovative interpretation of the urban farming. The research proposes a vision of the UA based on an intermediate scale compared to the more investigated and developed mega-scale of large vertical farming and the microscale of urban gardens. Conceived as an adaptive infrastructure, STRAME—a system based on modular Vertical Farming units—is organized to be translated and applied in different urban and metropolitan scenarios. The “terrain vague” of metropolises (intended as residual urban spaces) and climate change are two challenges—the first of a physical-spatial type and the second environmental-social—in which STRAME wants to build a capillary system of highly efficient agricultural production. STRAME, starting from deep analysis of the background of UA, aims at defining a physical infrastructure integrated with a digital infrastructure (IoT), able of responding to the challenges posed by the agro-industrial chain in densely populated urban contexts. Its core is a system of modular elements to be used for the construction and commissioning of a medium-sized network of inter-connected vertical farming applicable in residual voids and in the open spaces in large residential districts.
Resilient Design for Outdoor Sports Infrastructure
Authors: Battaglia Silvia , Cognigni Marta , Vettori Maria Pilar 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCities, and with them the criticalities and opportunities that characterize urban contexts, are one of the main challenges in the transition toward environmental and social sustainability today. Within the contemporary debate dominated by reflections on the effects of climate change, the culture of design is increasingly oriented to measure itself against the concept of resilience: the limitation of land consumption, together with the technological, functional and energetic reorganization of areas and buildings, is the path taken by design to make the built environment adaptable to the changes taking place, so as to promote development, equity and social inclusion. Public space, defined as a system of open urban spaces, is assuming an increasingly important role in urban and environmental regeneration processes. At the same time, the topic of sport and the public infrastructure of cities for practicing physical activity is an increasingly important factor for urban and social quality, requiring strategies capable of redefining places and the way they are used in line with objectives of environmental quality and collective well-being. The picture that emerges from studies and research on the European and Italian panorama of sport infrastructures highlights interesting and innovative trends that show, also in this sector, an increasing focus on the themes of urban, architectural and social resilience. On the basis of this premise, the contribution aims to analyze the recent evolution of the design of public space in relation to sports practices as an area where resilience policies are applied.
A Green Technological Rehabilitation of the Built Environment. From Public Residential Estates to Eco-Districts
Authors: Errante Lidia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe environmental quality of the modern city is a central issue in the Italian and international design debate. The pandemic and the perspective of a post-pandemic phase have accelerated the inevitable transformation of the living spaces—indoor and outdoor, urban and domestic—bringing out renewed awareness and new quality requirements. The need to achieve results to limit energy consumption, reduce polluting emissions, promote less land consumption, and conditions of urban resilience is becoming gradually urgent, according to European and national strategic, political and regulatory indications. Space quality requirements, which correspond to different conditions of quality of living, are generally identified in the physical and social accessibility of places and dwellings, in the production and availability of energy from renewable sources, in the availability of green public spaces, and in the opportunity to carry out leisure and sports activities. The paper investigates the transformation of public residential neighbourhoods, highlighting urban and technological design opportunities within the paradigm of eco-district and biophilic urbanism. Two case studies within the INA CASA Plan in Reggio Calabria—Sbarre Inferiori and San Brunello—will be the object of analysis and meta-design transformation scenarios to test with green quality requirements. The scenarios aim to explore microclimatic improvements for the districts, the redefinition of outdoor spaces, the implementations of technologies for clean energy production, and the containment of resources consumption. The object of the contribution goes towards principles of health and well-being of the communities, recognising the urban risk factors implicated in the global pandemic and the need to restore the existing building stock and residential estates. Eventually, the paper suggests a framework of actions, green technologies, and design options to manage those environmental concerns.