Building Systems Design
Prof. Filippo Angelucci

In the study program for Bachelor in Architecture, the teaching of Design of Building Systems (DBS/PSC) constitutes the second teaching level of Technology of Architecture (ICAR 12). The DBS/PSC teaching activities are aimed at the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and technological methods that allow the student to acquire skills: to control the integrated quality of the building system; to develop adequate capacity for the design of simple building projects.
During the DBS/PSC lessons students will acquire the ability: to build cultural connections (social, ecological, economic and technical) with the context of production of the project; to control relationships between the building system and the environmental resources (materials, natural, human) and constraints (normative, legislative, user-needs).
The course will address the topics concerning:
the performance based methodology for the design of the building system; the framework of the available building techniques; the tools for the control of project’s quality requirements; the traditional and light structural systems; the energetic behavior of the building system; the process of analyzing, evaluating and designing the building system.

Ο Bibliographical references
- Arbizzani E., (2001) Tecnologia dei sistemi edilizi. Progetto e costruzione, Maggioli Editore, Rimini , IT.
- Brophy, V., Lewis, J.O. (2011), A Green Vitruvius: Principles and Practice of Sustainable Architectural Design, Second edition, Routledge, London.
- Nardi G., (2008) Tecnologie dell’architettura. Teorie e storia, Maggioli Editore, Rimini, IT.

Other recommended readings for thematic discussions and specific topics will be indicated during the exercise activities.
The additional teaching materials will be delivered directly to the students by e-mail.

Ο Didactical goals
The main goal of the course is to provide the knowledge and tools for the technological control of the design and building process, highlighting the interdependencies between physical, functional and figurative aspects of architecture.
The specific goals concern three levels.
The level of technological knowledge:
- the systemic basis of the project;
- the performance based design approach;
- the evidence based design approach;
- the structural building principles;
- the culture of integrated quality;
- the innovation of building techniques.

The level of technological design abilities:
- the use of tools for quality controls;
- the metadesign;
- the scenarization of project alternatives;
- the modeling of the building system;
- the energy strategies;
- the measurement of the project;
- the governance of the planning process.

The level of design skills:
- the control of coherence between available resources and building system design;
- the assessment of the economic, ecological and social congruence of technological options;
- the critical and judgment capacity about functional, ethical, expressive and symbolic values of the building system;
- the design planning of environmental factors and actors that interact in the building process;
- the management of the life cycle of the building system;
- the integrated design process;
- the analysis of uses and transformations of resources;
- the interpretation of reasons and problems of habitat modification, project sustainability and technical innovations.

Ο Access pre-requirements
It is necessary to have already got the exam of Materials and Design of Building Elements.

It is required an official registration (during the first lesson day).

Ο Teaching methods
The teaching methods and support activities include:
- ex cathedra lessons;
- theoretical / practical training activities (by groups and / or individuals);
- group project activities on specific theme;
- checking meeting of exercise activities (by groups and / or individuals).

Ο Other info
Period of teaching activities: First semester
- Registration for the course is necessary.
- Is necessary the frequency of lessons.
- Schedule of exam tests according to the general program of the Degree Course in Architecture.

Teacher reception:
Tuesday and Wednesday from 10.00 to 12.30.

Ο Verify activities
During the exercises will be focused the topics of lessons.
Intermediate checking activities (by individual and/or groups), are planned for the monitoring of students’ knowledge, abilities and skills progress.
The final exam will focus on theoretical knowledge and on the results of individual and group exercises.
The final exam is individual and oral; candidates will be evaluated in thirtieths.