Authors:Gian Luca Brunetti Pages: 55 - 60 Abstract: The paper analyses the evolutionary tendencies in the use of artificial intelligence in building design, highlighting: a) the ground lost by knowledge-based expert systems and the diffusion of systems combined with heuristic and stochastic approaches; b) the spread of evolutionary algorithms in the field of optimisation; c) a climax of the influence of probabilistic approaches around 2010; d) the progressive dominance of deep learning since 2012. It is likely that the next step requires hybridisation of deep learning and symbolic artificial intelligence, and it is expected that the contribution of design domain experts in terms of knowledge formalisation will be a fundamental driver of it. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13739
Authors:Andrea Tartaglia Pages: 61 - 67 Abstract: The growing performance of IT tools for the project allows to delegate entire phases of the conceptual and decision-making process thanks to the diffusion of algorithmic models referable to the category of artificial intelligence capable of automating important segments, if not the entire process of project production. The speed of evolution of these systems places us in a continuous transition phase in which it is necessary to reflect on the direction to be taken with respect to the many technical and IT opportunities. The text analyses the new instrumental and technical tools, reflecting on the limits and opportunities also with respect to the specific discipline of Architectural Technology, and on the need to reconsider the real meaning of their use. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13725
Authors:Tiziana Ferrante, Federica Romagnoli Pages: 68 - 77 Abstract: The increasingly pervasive use of artificial intelligence within the complexity of the world around us continues to fuel the scientific, philosophical, and political debate. Even within the construction sector (although still in an embryonic phase), it is possible to observe the first concrete results of the application of new digital processes, which are increasingly autonomous and support the design, definition, and validation of the project. The new frontiers of expansion of artificial intelligence systems, encouraged by the digital transition, require a careful reflection on the impact of new technologies in redefining the designer’s role in the decision-making process. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13713
Authors:Alessandra Barresi Pages: 78 - 83 Abstract: Cities nowadays need to have long-term visions and perspectives to achieve the ambitious targets for which vast investments are being made. They need to act with competence and capability-based planning, and to come up with suitable solutions. Technology is unquestionably a factor of crucial importance when aiming for these targets. Digital innovation, based on data knowledge, analysis and projection, is crucial to tackle the most demanding challenges of our times. The methodological approach proposed here is an Urban Digital Twin applied to cities as a predictive model to obtain a projection of their development in terms of sustainability. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13568
Authors:Danila Longo, Saveria Olga Murielle Boulanger, Martina Massari, Giulia Turci Pages: 84 - 92 Abstract: Responses to the current energy crisis and to action against climate change have produced a wide variety of experimentations. Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) and Energy Communities (EC) are spreading as aggregators of enabling technologies, but the knowledge and skills required to plan, implement and monitor them still need to be developed. Technology alone is not enough to facilitate knowledge sharing and the experimentation and co-creation of solutions. The paper focuses on methods and tools that allow to support the creation of “energy citizens” through considerations developed in project H2020 GRETA (Green Energy Transition Actions) and in COST Action ‘PED-EU-NET’. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13721
Authors:Attilio Nebuloni, Giorgio Buratti Pages: 93 - 100 Abstract: Since the rise of the digital revolution in architecture, and even more so with the emergence of a new generation of enabling technologies structured on digital interfaces, the interactive-relational dimension has become central to the design agenda. The experimentation on responsive morphologies that emerge from the synergy between data and design, and whose artefacts mark a return to the real world that incorporates physicality into the design process is significant. In addition, they represent a synthesis of the ability of such digital technologies to dynamically discriminate, process, and interpret heterogeneous potential data derived from the context. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13629
Authors:Paola Marrone, Ilaria Montella, Federico Fiume Pages: 101 - 115 Abstract: Cities are the main field of application of technological innovations for ecological transition and decarbonisation. With reference to its proximity spaces, the research proposes a multidisciplinary and transcalar vision in which analytical and quantitative methods of urban design are combined with qualitative assessment methods of technological design to simulate and measure the impacts of interventions in terms of mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change. A planning support tool, based on game theory, guides the choice between effective and interdependent solutions for decarbonisation through renewable energy production, ecosystem services and accessibility to essential services. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13719
Authors:Maria Fabrizia Clemente Pages: 116 - 123 Abstract: Climate scenarios require the implementation of climate proof actions. The effectiveness of such projects directly depends on the knowledge of local contexts and on the built environment’s characteristics in relation to climate risk conditions. Innovative methods of knowledge can be implemented through the use of enabling technologies. Based on these considerations, the paper proposes the Coast-RiskBySea model as support for climate proof decision-making in relation to coastal flood risk, with the aim of developing new synergies between environmental design and enabling technologies. The proposed model was tested on an application case in the city of Naples by simulating a climate proof measure to assess the effectiveness of this solution in terms of damage reduction, and to define the potential and criticality of the approach. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13723
Authors:Matteo Trane, Guglielmo Ricciardi, Mattia Scalas, Marta Ellena Pages: 124 - 133 Abstract: The objective of this paper is to present a methodology for the integration of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) microclimate simulation and a Geographic Information System (GIS). The first workflow involves the attribution of spatial coordinates to the point data extracted from the CFD, the implementation of an SQLite database, and the connection to the database to visualise and use information on environmental and comfort variables. The second workflow involves georeferencing the CFD raster output, attributing an ID to the point data, creating a point grid in a GIS environment, and merging these with the point data on the microclimate. For demonstration purposes, the methodology is tested on a real case study using ENVI-met and ArcGIS Pro. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13661
Authors:Giacomo Chiesa, Francesca Fasano, Paolo Grasso Pages: 134 - 142 Abstract: The paper describes specific usage scenarios of an innovative platform, interfacing users, monitoring, and simulations for building energy simulations and the computation of key performance indicators to support, in an interoperable and open vision, design and management choices exploiting the enabling capabilities of ICT in architecture. The modularity of the proposed solution allows the development of pre-defined usage scenarios for professionals: impact of modifications in technological design choices, model calibration, and performance gap between simulated and monitored building data. The paper faces some new architectural usage scenarios of the tool, considering its enabling capabilities, and focuses on the tool’s components developed and tested in the EU H2020 E-DYCE project. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13583
Authors:Jacopo Gaspari, Ernesto Antonini, Lia Marchi Pages: 143 - 152 Abstract: Housing plays a key role in the world path to energy transition, and retrofitting buildings is a major asset to this end. Unfortunately, despite the supporting measures and incentives promoted in many countries, the renovation rate is still too slow. This is even more complex within some specific assets, such as social housing, which, especially in Italy, depends on the availability of public funds. The study proposes a predictive tool conceived as an enabler in the decision-making process, capable of considering and comparing the performance levels that different retrofitting actions can reach, according to building features, intervention costs, timing, and resource availability. The tool is tested on a social housing case study in Bologna. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13622
Authors:Niccolò Casiddu, Claudia Porfirione, Annapaola Vacanti Pages: 153 - 161 Abstract: The paper describes the development of Living Hub: a laboratory for research, experimentation and training based on the Living Lab model, integrated with the use of the Simulation technique, to optimise the study of the interaction between people, environments, and technology. The lab aims to support the design of capacitating technologies and responsive environments that can adapt to the needs of their users, with reference to the home context. Located in Liguria, a region with the highest rate of ageing in the world, Living Hub focuses experimentation on innovative models for the care of the frail through different levels of scalar/modular integration of enabling technologies in the built environment. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13712
Authors:Andrea Boeri, Serena Orlandi, Rossella Roversi, Beatrice Turillazzi Pages: 162 - 172 Abstract: The use of digital technologies is an open and very rapidly evolving field of investigation and experimentation. This paper addresses their role in Cultural Heritage (CH) safeguarding activities, drawing on the research results of the H2020 project “4CH-Competence Centre for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage” (CC) [GA 101004468]. 4CH moves from the human-centric vision of digital transformation, advocated by the EU, and envisages an interdisciplinary approach, combining theoretical and practical knowledge, all in support of a reflection on the role of enabling technologies, the new skills associated with them, the CH preservation and enhancement related approaches, and their integration into the established technical culture. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13711
Authors:Gaia Turchetti Pages: 173 - 181 Abstract: Technological upgrading in recent decades has allowed, at the urban level, the definition of new tools to address issues related to climate change. The research focuses on methodologies and technologies that are useful for the definition of new morphometric classifications (RLCZ, Rome Local Climate Zone) and the consequent construction of specific parametric models for the fabric of the historic city, starting from the case study on the city of Rome. This is to support an informed design-making process that is compatible with the peculiarities of complex fabrics. The proposed methodology and tools, which can be tested on similar scenarios or recalibrated for different realities, can provide an additional piece of knowledge, integrated with ongoing international experiments. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13715
Authors:Marta Calzolari, Valentina Frighi, Valentina Modugno Pages: 182 - 191 Abstract: The current and increasingly intensive technocratic drift recognises the indiscriminate power of techniques in solving several problems, including the struggle against climate change and its impact on cities. One of the future challenges concerns the effective and conscious application of KETs for the creation of smart environments in historical heritage, which plays a strategic role for its conservative values, but also in the broader strategy for limiting greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed paper reports some preliminary results of a research aimed at investigating and acknowledging these technologies as an enabling medium to undertake more informed deterministic choices in the field of CH. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13718
Authors:Andrea Rebecchi, Marcello Farina, Giuseppe Andreoni, Stefano Capolongo, Matteo Corno, Paolo Perego, Emanuele Lettieri Pages: 192 - 203 Abstract: The paper describes both the method and the preliminary outcomes of the “Blind-assistive aUtonomous Droid Device: BUDD-e” research experience, funded by Polisocial Award 2021 of Politecnico di Milano, and designed to exploit a multidisciplinary approach to bridge the gap of inclusive design, making spaces and services accessible, functional, and usable by Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI) people. The research purpose is to develop accessible public places and indoor environments where the autonomous robot BUDD-e will act as guide for the BVI people. User-centred design principles will be applied to support accessibility to – both outdoor and indoor – public places, where the robot guide BUDD-e will be a primary feature in allowing access to services. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13738
Authors:Antonella Trombadore, Debora Giorgi, Gisella Calcagno, Giacomo Pierucci Pages: 204 - 213 Abstract: Focus on the role of users is the heart of the ongoing research experience in the university Living Lab environment that investigates, systematises and tests the potential of the latest digital technologies in the construction sector (BIM-sensors-Digital Twin-IoT) to define enabling building-user interfaces that support the virtuous circle of energy efficiency/environmental well-being/proactive behaviour. Synchronising the real building/virtual model allows an augmented environmental experience and new levels of user involvement. It enriches the predictive systems of data-user experience, helping to calibrate the configuration of improvement scenarios in the design/operational phase on well-being objectives, expanding the awareness of the process actors for a new centrality of the decision as an ethical value. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13724
Authors:Monica Lavagna, Serena Giorgi, Daniela Pimponi, Andrea Porcari Pages: 214 - 224 Abstract: Enabling Technologies have the potential to transform both the physical flow of materials and resources (production and construction methods), and the intangible organisational and managerial relationships (exchange and monitoring of data and relationships along the entire chain of value). They should, therefore, be considered important in supporting change processes aimed at the circular use of resources. This paper presents some research and experiments, at European and Italian level, aimed at developing and applying Enabling Technologies for circular economy, and at aligning them with the needs and challenges of society, by directly involving actors of the building sector ecosystem in moments of discussion and co-creation to define potential strategies and operational actions for innovation in the sector. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13130
Authors:Francesca Ciampa, Caterina Claudia Musarella Pages: 225 - 232 Abstract: The research aims at identifying an information tool for design activities through enabling technologies, developed on the interactions between envelope and context. The methodology, articulated according to the phases of analysis, processing, and applicative validation, prefigures a response strategy to the phenomena of environmental and energy crisis with respect to the different scales of action. Considering the effect of climatic phenomena on the envelopes and the contemporary performance requirements they are called to meet, the contribution provides a dynamic data sheet (analysis and evaluation of energy-environmental performance) based on the model drawn up by the European Joint Research Centre, to verify the appropriateness of envelope design. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13519
Authors:Sara Codarin Pages: 233 - 242 Abstract: The technological advancement of robotic automation in construction allows for the identification of a renewed design agenda at the intersection of professional practice, academic research, higher education, and the cultural context in which innovations take place. This paper outlines research conducted in the field of large scale digital robotic additive manufacturing at Lawrence Technological University, College of Architecture and Design, in collaboration with the artchitecture firm Daub and the start-up Citizen Robotics in Metro Detroit. The creation of a prototype for a temporary installation is used to assess the building feasibility of a home scheduled for completion in 2023, in which a portion of the exterior will be 3D printed. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13704
Authors:Matteo Giovanardi, Thaleia Konstantinou, Riccardo Pollo, Tillmann Klein Pages: 243 - 251 Abstract: In the façade sector, the ecological and circular transition requires the adoption of new business models that exploit the value of the material as much as possible. In this context, the Internet of Things (IoT) is identified as a potential innovation driver for the widespread use of circular approaches. The aim of the paper is to clarify the role of IoT in enabling five circular business models in the façade sector. The potential benefits of an IoT-based façade system are highlighted through a matrix underscoring the relationship between information produced and key actions to achieve the innovative business models. The research discussion and findings open the debate on the perspective of digitally integrated building components. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13707
Authors:Fabio Bianconi, Marco Filippucci, Giulia Pelliccia, David Correa Pages: 252 - 259 Abstract: Wood actively equalises its moisture content in relation to its surrounding environment. Technical applications that can harness this characteristic can have a great impact in the improvement of indoor hygrometric comfort. So far few applications have made use of this unique property. The natural hygroscopic intelligence of wood can lead to the development of a new technology capable of ensuring improved indoor comfort. The natural material can thus be engineered by creating responsive composites made from wood waste and transformed through 4D printing. The biomimetic actuators studied in this paper are aimed at linking the transformation of form into environmental control functionality applied to building comfort in adaptive and passive solutions. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.36253/techne-13656
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