Lecturer: Luca Beraghi  

Course name: Building techniques for sustainable constructions
Course code: 501021
Degree course: Ingegneria Edile-Architettura
Disciplinary field of science: ICAR/10
University credits: CFU 9
Course website: n.d.

Specific course objectives

Description of qualitative and quantitative impact of contemporary building techniques in relation to the principles of sustainability applied to building sector. Introduction of instruments, methods and models able to give back the possibility to understand and evaluate construction techniques with the final goal of reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions into atmosphere. Illustration of design techniques that allow the inclusion of buildings into the surrounding environment with the reduction of the use of non-renewable resources through the use of renewable energy.

Course programme

Class lectures, conferences and practical workshops on the following topics:

Background and legislation

• definition of sustainability and application of general concepts to the construction sector
• characterization of the meaning given to sustainable construction techniques in the current cultural context
• introduction to relevant legislation, from European level to local building regulations, with particular reference to "new generation" regulatory instruments

Sustainable construction techniques

• general introduction to the concept of 'environmental impact' of a building
• characteristics of the context of intervention
• designing with local characteristics
• energy content of building through proper design of all construction details
• passive systems for solar energy use
• active systems for solar energy use and their integration in architectural design
• green roofs and facades
• natural ventilation of buildings

Illustration of case studies

• housing and sustainability
• commercial buildings and sustainability
• schools and sustainability
• hospitals and sustainability

Course entry requirements

Basic knowledge of traditional building techniques and materials. Evaluation of building components and their interrelationships between design strategies and operation phase.

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 60
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 60
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0

Suggested reading materials

During all the lectures will be reported literature for each topic.

Testing and exams

Students are asked to develope an individual sustainable proposal and the oral final exam on the topics illustrated during the course.