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 develop projects that are attentive to the constructive dimension, to the constraints related to the environmental, physical, normative and cultural context in which the intervention is located, to the usability and to the verification of the technical feasibility;

- ability to govern the complexity of the project, from the conceptual phase to the implementation phase.

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).

The DESIGN STUDIO is a studio based on the design activity and in which the student acquires the ability to control and coordinate inside the design process building technologies, structural elements and building physics behavior.

A holistic approach to the design is fostered in which innovative tools, fabrication techniques and emergent technologies are synergically conceived and applied to inform consistent design outputs, from the early stages to the definition of construction and performative characteristics of the architectural systems. Through digital design workflow and Advanced design tools,  the virtual model becomes an ideal playground where to perform design conceptualization and refinement within an iterative process of modelling, simulation and optimization. A strong accent will be given to detailing the building technology with innovative materials and systems, thanks also to the link with SAPERLab, the DIGITAL FABRICATION LAB of the school.

Following the idea of a design-driven learning process, the studio will be mainly organized around the architectural and construction design of a pavilion for the topic "Milan. Welcome City". Students will work in small groups and guided to create an original concept for an architecture of exhibition and its development into an architectural system successfully integrating spatial, performative, functional and technological aspects. Complementary activities will consist of theoretical lectures held by teachers and representatives of architecture and construction sector. Short exercises will introduce to design methodology and develop specific technical skills. The architectural design is the result of a complex set of disciplines. In particular the integration of “Technologies for construction and environmental hygiene” will analyze and evaluate the iterations between Building, Environment and Health, related to Indoor & Outdoor Well-being.

Learning activities are configured through:

• lectures and seminars held by the teacher, with the contribution of external speakers;
• tutoring in the classroom;
• development of the design process, with verification of progresses at the different scales;
• supplementary activities extra classroom of individual study and research

The Technology section will mainly relate with construction techniques, materials, spaces, performances and values that represent an actual resource which must be carefully and thoroughly evaluated in the design process. The Structural Design section will focus on the criteria leading to the selection of the best structural solution (materials, structural scheme, construction techniques) with respect to the different design requirements. 

digital skills prefered but not compulsory

The final evaluation will follow the following criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of the topic of building technologies;
• Applying knowledge and understanding of the use of techniques in architecture;
• Making judgments on selected themes;
• Communication skills oral and written through the project design;
• Learning skills.

The final evaluation will be the assessment of the activities performed in the design studio. Students will be evaluated on their project during the semester according to three design phases (preliminary; executive; construction design) and related PIN-UP. Intermediate evaluations will partially contribute to the final assessment together with a final exam where definitive projects will be presented and discussed in reference with the topics tackled during the studio.