The aim of the Studio is to experiment with the complexity of the design, from the idea to the realization, by acquiring knowledge about the ways of controlling the relationships between technological, energetic, environmental and structural aspects, and the experimentation and innovation paths of techniques, processes and how to design the project. The Studio aims to illustrate the cognitive, methodological, organizational and procedural tools in the different stages of the building process aimed at the constructability of complex new architectural interventions or the redevelopment of the existing one. Particular attention in the Design and Construction Studio is reserved for functional, constructive and environmental choices in relation to structural design and anti-seismic design criteria from the early stages of the project.

Expected learning outcomes are the ability to develop a feasibility and constructability project; in particular the design capacity of the constructive dimension, the constraints related to the environmental, physical, regulatory and cultural context in which the intervention is located, the ways of use; coordinated and interdisciplinary management of the technological, structural and energetic-environmental themes that form the project on the basis of priority requirements; anticipating decisions and evaluating the different technical options available today; application of the tools to support project decisions.

According to the Dublin Descriptors (DdD), passing the exam certifies the acquisition of the following results:

DdD 2 ability to apply knowledge and understanding

- ability to analyze the constructive and material characteristics of the historical building, to recognize the construction techniques, the structural elements and their respective functions, the materials and their physical and mechanical characteristics, the possible state of structural deterioration, the behavioural characteristics in relation to climatic and microclimatic issues;

- ability to develop projects for the conservation, restoration, recovery, reuse of architectural artefacts and the ability to manage transformations over time.

DdD 3 (autonomy of judgment), 4 (communication skills) and 5 (learning ability)

- ability to operate and communicate independently the design choices made (DdD 3, 4 and 5).

PDF presentation of the design studio:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XkGU_auUvHoXBE8OknkuxAQX3EKj9dO4

The Course analyzes the complexity of the design process and of its transformation/evolution, particularly deepening the relevant contents of the principles of the planning activity, considered as the “engineering “of all of the interventions expected in the previous phases of the design, with specific reference to the connected managements aspects.

Purpose of the activity of the Course is therefore to supply the foundations of the feasibility study (technical -environmental - economical) to the students, testing the link among planning, building and management.

Classroom communications will transfer to the students all the necessary basic knowledge, useful to solve, as a team, the main design problems.

The lessons are structured starting from some discussions and theoretical research that will lead back to the building and professional practice by means of some case studies and through didactic and site visits.
The exercises are articulated according to a fixed calendar followed by a specific evaluation through the production, case by case, of technical reports, graphics and other documents.

A general discussion will guide the course to the target of the course. Some theoretical research regarding the wide range of earthquake resistance criteria will introduce some case studies. Soil test analysis, load analysis, foundation systems history and future application lectures will determine the basic knowledge of the structures calculation. A recent earthquake resistance structure will be visited in Milan area with all the documents available of the building erected.

La valutazione degli studenti avverrà mediante prove in itinere ed un esame finale - Student assessment tests will be done through ongoing and a final exam.

Le prove in itinere riguarderanno sia le conoscenze teoriche acquisite nel Corso, sia lo stato di avanzamento dell’esercitazione - The ongoing trials will address both the theoretical knowledge acquired in the course and the progress of the exercise.

L’insegnamento si concluderà con lo svolgimento di un esame finale ed individuale che verterà sulla discussione degli argomenti trattati durante le lezioni teoriche e l'esercitazione - The course will end with the holding of a final exam and will focus on discussion of individual topics covered in the lectures and the exercise.

L'esito positivo dell'esame finale è subordinato al superamento delle prove in itinere e del progetto finale - The positive outcome of  the final exame is subject to the results of the ongoing tests and of the final project.