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ARTICLES JUST ACCEPTED

TECHNE N. 29/2024

Published: Dicembre 20, 2024


Biogenic materials for the decarbonization of the built environment

Francesca Thiebat1, Fiamma Morselli1

1 Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, Italia  

Abstract

This contribution highlights the need to reflect on the environmental, cultural, and social value of biogenic construction materials and their role in the roadmap towards climate neutrality. Based on a mapping of European case studies, the essay investigates the diffusion of biogenic materials in architecture, questioning whether their use is limited to experimental cases or if it can be at the base of a decarbonization strategy. The analysis conducted reveals the urgency of adopting technologies and practices that promote the diffusion and scalability of biogenic materials to respond, on the one hand, to energy and environmental regulations and, on the other hand, to contribute effectively and economically sustainably to the demand for net-positive materials, as alternatives to conventional ones.

Primary Contact: Francesca Thiébat, francesca.thiebat@polito.it  

DOI: 10.36253/techne-16598


Post-decarbonisation and Generative Artificial Intelligence. Towards a Possible Operational Methodology

Angelo Figliola1, Maurizio Barberio2

1Dipartimento di Architettura, Ingegneria delle Costruzioni e Ambiente Costruito, Politecnico di Milano, Italia

2 Dipartimento di Design, Politecnico di Milano, Italia

Abstract

The recent introduction of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools in architectural design has simultaneously opened new possibilities and raised questions about their appropriate use in holistic design processes, such as those related to environmental design. In a post-decarbonisation context, where the goal is to drastically reduce CO2 emissions and promote regenerative practices, avoiding the uncritical adoption of these tools is essential. Therefore, this paper proposes an operational methodology that integrates such tools within Sustainable-Aided Design, a holistic approach aimed at bridging the gap between architectural design and environmental design from the ultra-early stage of the design process

Primary Contact: Angelo Figliola,  

DOI: 10.36253/techne-16538


Textile materials and retrofit strategies. New frontiers for energy efficiency

Giulia Procaccini1

1Dipartimento di Architettura, Ingegneria delle Costruzioni e Ambiente Costruito, Politecnico di Milano, Italia

Abstract

Membranes, thanks to their intrinsic properties, have always played a fundamental role within the construction sector. Nowadays, with the urgent need to renovate the European building stock, the innovative use of these materials in façade retrofit solutions emerges as a promising strategy to increase the renovation rate. This paper outlines the results of a PhD research that explores Textile Façade Retrofit Strategies (TFRS) as viable, sustainable alternatives to traditional façade retrofits, comparing their environmental and energy impacts. By promoting lightweight solutions, the research aligns with the goals of decarbonization by significantly reducing the environmental and energy impacts associated with retrofit methods and enhancing the resilience and adaptability of urban façades.

Primary Contact: Giulia Procaccini,  giulia.procaccini@polimi.it 

DOI: 10.36253/techne-16600


Transforming Social Housing Neighbourhoods into Energy Communities: Challenges and Opportunities 

Elnaz Behnam Kia 1

1 Dipartimento di Architettura e Progetto, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Italia

Abstract

The contribution aims to highlight the potential application of Renewable Energy Community (REC) concept in large Affordable and Public Housing neighbourhoods, particularly those in the European cities’ suburbs which were developed between the 1970s and the 1990s, in order to achieve carbon neutrality and mitigate barriers to energy provision for low-income groups. The research aims to provide a qualitative overview of energy community policies and initiatives at the European level. By identifying common approaches and strategies that are framing the development of best practices in the European and Italian contexts, it explores the characteristics that enable an Energy Community to act as a driver of local sustainable transformation and social cohesion.

Primary Contact: Elnaz Behnam Kia, elnaz.behnamkia1@uniroma1.it

DOI: 10.36253/techne-16589


Biotechnologies and urban greening: the Zero Mile approach

Attilio Nebuloni1, Fiammetta Costa1, Giorgio Buratti1, Matteo Meraviglia1, Luciana Migliore2, Annamaria Alabiso2, Valerio Cantelmo2

1 Dipartimento di Design, Politecnico di Milano, Italia

2 Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Italia

Abstract

Among the strategies capable of addressing the multiple challenges related to achieving the NetZero target, urban greening represents not only a strategy to increase the energy efficiency of buildings but also an opportunity to design new scenarios of biophilic living, capable of re-establishing positive connections between people and nature in the built environment. In this context, an area of study of growing interest focuses on the sustainable recovery of domestic greywater for reuse in buildings for irrigation purposes. The paper outlines the results of an interdisciplinary research project, which, through bio-filtration processes, enables the recovery of wastewater from household appliances to supply green architecture solutions.

Primary Contact: Attilio Nebuloni, attilio.nebuloni@polimi.it 

DOI: 10.36253/techne-16529


City Harvest: Smart Service and Place Design with Collaborative Communities on Food Production

Aysegul Ozbakir Acimert1, Matthew Hexemer1, Derek Chezzi1, Soundharya Shivamadaiah1, Dhruvkumar Patel1, Derek Schmucker1

1Brookfield Sustainability Institute, George Brown College, Canada

Abstract

Food Insecurity is worsening due to climate change, and agriculture contributes to an estimation of 37% of global GHG emissions. Next, food loss and waste related activities emitted 9.3 Gt of CO2-e in 2017, which accounted for about half of the global annual emissions from the whole food system. Although many policies have been designed, it is still unclear how cities can do their parts. The objective of this paper is to introduce a data-driven and sustainable urban food service design that extends beyond decarbonization: ‘City Harvest’. Integrated design elements at neighborhood scale are: 1) soil based vertical farming structures; 2) residential indoor growing kits that also process organic waste; 3) AI and Web-GIS based knowledge platform for community co-creation activities.

Primary Contact: Aysegul Ozbakir Acimert, aysegul.ozbakir@georgebrown.ca

DOI: 10.36253/techne-16574


Resource circularity, solar energy and bioclimatics for the Climate Neutral historic building

Serena Baiani1, Paola Altamura1, Giada Romano1,

1Department of Planning Design Technology of Architecture, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy

Abstract

The contribution reports the results of research activities on the redevelopment of the historic built heritage in the urban context, a strategic and challenging field of investigation to achieve climate neutrality, sustainability and long-term resource conservation. The objective of the research is the development of a replicable and adaptable intervention model aimed specifically at historic buildings, which combines, according to the Cradle to Cradle approach, innovative circular and environmentally friendly technologies and systems, including passive bioclimatic systems and active integrated solar systems for energy production from RES. Among the research pilot cases, the contribution describes the experimentation for scenarios and gradients of integration and transformation of the existing building on the Ex Filanda in Rome.

Primary Contact: Serena Baiani, serena.baiani@uniroma1.it

DOI: 10.36253/techne-16923


Nurturing cities. Transcalar scenarios for urban agriculture

Leonrado Zaffi1, Michele D’Ostuni 2

1 Dipartimento di Architettura, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italia

2 Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Università di Bologna, Italia

Abstract

Yona Friedman’s visions of using urban agriculture to eliminate the city's dependency on the countryside, reduce reliance on transportation and intermediaries, and free rural areas from exploitation seem more relevant than ever today. In a scenario where cities are nourished by food produced in increasingly distant locations and where the environmental impact of the food supply chain is increasingly unsustainable, it becomes strategic to rethink the relationship between cities and food by reintroducing agricultural production into urban areas through new soil-less cultivation technologies. This contribution discusses the models, challenges, and opportunities of urban agriculture practices as a possible tool for widespread urban regeneration and as the center of a transscalar action conducted in symbiosis between architecture and agriculture in various project areas.

Primary Contact: Leonardo Zaffi, leonardo.zaffi@unifi.it

DOI: 10.36253/techne-16601