Fabrication and Material aware Architecture

Today, the construction sector stands as the most energy-intensive in industrialized countries, accounting for 50% of all materials consumed in Europe alone and for 36% of total waste, while also being responsible for 39% of greenhouse gas emissions. This highlights the urgent need to reconsider construction practices and our approach to existing structures.
The reuse and repair of built structures provide a pathway to reduce material consumption. However, there is a limited understanding of effective refurbishment methods, which are currently expensive and considered complex. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop holistic methods for more efficient refurbishment of existing building stock.
While digital processes, including sensing devices, modelling software, and robotic fabrication, are recognized as key tools for construction repair, they are not yet widely utilized for assessing and repairing less monumental building stock.
Our course will concentrate on ready-to-use digital tools for building stock repair, exploring how these technologies can empower a holistic refurbishment process for buildings that would normally not be listed. The course invites the students to explore the potential repair and refurbishment of the factory in Castel San Pietro using a holistic digital process. As an extension of daily design practice, students are expected to develop a visionary refurbishment plan informed by digital tools, including scanning, circularity analysis, and mixed reality (MR). You will work in groups and digitally intervene in the building with MR with your design idea.
Throughout the course, relevant topics will be taught systematically through structured lectures, and complemented by the valuable insights of guest speakers who will contribute additional perspectives on the subject matter.

Understand the fundamentals of digital processes.
Inputs learn circularity analysis.
Learn mixed reality.
Learn how to connect these concepts as a holistic pipeline.
Apply this pipeline to design and present a renovation project.

Sustainable development goals:
_ Industry, innovation and infrastructure.
_ Sustainable cities and communities.
_ Responsible consumption and production.

• Indusrty, innovation and infrastracture
• Sustainable cities and communities
• Responsible consumption and production

In presence

A series of input lectures led by the FMAA team will equip the students with the fundamentals
of digital processes for a circular built environment. These lectures are subsequently backed
by several guest lectures who will further highlight the value of digital planning and showcase
digital construction for a circular economy. 

Coupled with small assignments during technical tutorials, the final exam will consist of a
presentation bringing together all the findings, insights and design iterations that have been
explored along the way. This will include:
_ Conceptual drawings or diagrams of the refurbishment.
_ Digital data of the designed space for MR representation.
_ 1:1 physical model. e.g. material sample, joint detail.