60
Architecture Technology
REGGIO DI CALABRIA
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The Architectural Technology course aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills and methodological tools required to understand and manage the design process in its relationships with construction, the environment, materials, technologies and the performance of the building system.
Through the integration of theoretical contributions, applied activities and design exercises, the course seeks to develop a critical awareness of the role that technology plays in defining the architectural and environmental quality of the built environment. Students will be guided towards an understanding of the relationships between users' needs, performance requirements, technical solutions, production processes and environmental sustainability, acquiring the ability to interpret architectural design as a synthesis of cultural, functional, constructive and economic aspects.
Particular attention will be devoted to understanding the implications that technological choices generate throughout the entire life cycle of a building, from the conceptual design phase to construction, operation, maintenance, adaptability and eventual decommissioning. Within this perspective, technological design is understood as a tool for controlling the feasibility, quality and sustainability of architectural interventions.
The educational activities are intended to develop students' ability to critically analyse the physical and environmental context, select appropriate materials and construction systems, assess required performance levels, and accurately represent the adopted technical solutions. Through this process, students will progressively acquire independent judgement and the capacity to make informed and responsible design decisions.
Through the design exercise that forms an integral part of the course, students will also be required to engage with real-world challenges related to contemporary living environments, applying principles of sustainability, energy efficiency, flexibility, maintainability and environmental impact reduction. These activities are aligned with the objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and with the most recent developments in the technological culture of architectural design.
Course Prerequisites
At the beginning of the course, the lecturer will verify that students meet the prerequisite requirements. Should any deficiencies be identified, the lecturer will inform the Programme Coordinator in order to determine the most appropriate remedial measures and support activities. However, a general realignment activity is planned.
Teaching Methods
The course is organised through an integrated combination of theoretical lectures, practical exercises, hands-on activities and study visits, with the aim of fostering the acquisition of both methodological knowledge and operational skills required to understand and manage the topics addressed during the course.
Teaching activities include 36 hours of classroom lectures devoted to the presentation of theoretical contents, methodological references and disciplinary tools necessary for understanding the design and technological processes examined throughout the course. Lectures will be supported by the analysis of national and international case studies, critical discussion of significant examples, and the use of multimedia materials and technical-scientific documentation.
The lectures will be complemented by 14 hours of classroom exercises, during which students will be required to apply the knowledge acquired through analytical activities, the development of technical drawings and thematic investigations. Exercises may be carried out individually or in small groups in order to encourage collaborative skills, critical discussion and active learning.
The educational programme also includes 4 hours of practical activities dedicated to the direct experimentation of tools and operational methodologies, with particular attention to their design and technological applications. These activities will enable students to verify and assess the effectiveness of the approaches presented during the theoretical lectures.
In addition, 6 hours will be devoted to study visits and field activities aimed at the direct observation of relevant contexts, case studies and best practices related to the course topics. These experiences represent an important opportunity to compare theory and practice and to promote experiential learning.
Teaching will adopt a predominantly workshop-based and participatory approach, integrating traditional teaching methods with innovative strategies based on learning by doing, case-study analysis and direct engagement with real-world experiences.
Students' progress and learning outcomes will be assessed through periodic reviews, collective discussions and the final evaluation of the work produced during the course. Some educational experiments related to basic skills will be proposed also through dedicated questionnaires.
For students who have a deficit in the Italian language, summaries of the lessons will be offered in English.
2_Types of Learning Activities
Lectures: no. 36 of classroom hours
Tutorials / Exercises: no. 14 of classroom hours
Practical Activities: no. 4 of classroom hours
Other (please specify): no. 6of classroom hours
3_Independent Student Work
Reading and study of the course bibliography (theoretical component): no. of hours
Preparation for assessments (practical/project work): no. of hours
Examination preparation: no. of hours
2_Types of Learning Activities
Lectures: 36 classroom hours
Tutorials / Exercises: 14 classroom hours
Practical Activities: 4 classroom hours
Other Activities (Study Visits and Field Activities): 6 classroom hours
3_Independent Student Work
Students will be required to study the topics covered during the lectures through the recommended bibliography. They will critically analyse and draw the construction elements discussed in class, supporting their graphic work with photographic documentation, and prepare concise technical data sheets relating to the building components examined within the case study developed during the course.
Graphic outputs are expected to investigate the topics addressed up to the executive-detail scale. Throughout the course, students will be supervised during each phase of the project development process, and regular classroom reviews will be conducted to assess and discuss the work carried out independently.
Reading and study of the recommended bibliography (theoretical component): 30 hours
Preparation of assessments and project development activities: 45 hours
Examination preparation: 15 hours
Assessment Methods
Mode of Examination: Theory and Practice. Number and Type of Assessments Contributing to the Final Grade:
The course includes two main assessment stages:
- an intermediate assessment focused on the practical exercises and project development activities;
- a final assessment that takes into account the results of the intermediate evaluation, the overall level of theoretical knowledge acquired, and the outcomes of the annual design exercise.
In relation to the topics covered during the teaching modules, students will be required to complete exercises and interim assessments according to deadlines communicated throughout the semester. To support these activities, teaching materials will be provided in advance, including specific bibliographies, reference sheets, technical documentation on technological systems, and selected readings.
The final assessment, aimed at awarding the 6 ECTS credits associated with the course, consists of an oral examination, a review of the interim assessments, and the evaluation of all work produced during the academic year, including exercises, written assignments, technical drawings, photographic documentation and other materials collected in a final portfolio, together with a communication and presentation document illustrating the design concept.
The portfolio will function as a personalised project dossier, containing the complete documentation and communication of the final design proposal developed within the assigned context. It will provide evidence of the student's design process, critical reflections, technological choices and final outcomes, representing a comprehensive record of the learning experience developed throughout the course.
Purpose of the Assessments / Intended Learning Outcomes
The work carried out both in the classroom and independently at home, partly on an individual basis and partly through group activities, will be periodically reviewed and assessed according to scheduled project milestones and collective evaluation sessions. Ongoing assessment submissions are planned throughout the academic year. The results of these assessments will contribute to the overall evaluation required to successfully complete the course.
In relation to the topics covered within the teaching modules, students will be required to undertake practical exercises and interim assessments according to deadlines communicated during the semester.
To support these activities, teaching materials will be provided in advance, including specific bibliographies, reference sheets, technical documentation on technological systems, and selected readings and case-study materials.
The final assessment, aimed at awarding the 6 ECTS credits associated with the course, consists of an oral examination, a review of the interim assessment results, and the evaluation of all work produced throughout the academic year, including practical exercises, written assignments, technical drawings, photographic documentation and other supporting materials developed during the course.
Final Assessment and Grading Criteria
The final grade will be based on the level of achievement of the intended learning outcomes, with particular reference to the knowledge, understanding, application skills, critical thinking abilities and communication skills developed throughout the course.
30–30 cum laude (with honours) The student demonstrates:
- comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the subject, showing full mastery of the relevant contents, accurate use of disciplinary terminology, and the ability to identify, explain and critically discuss the main concepts while integrating personal insights and further independent study;
- excellent understanding of the subject matter, clearly distinguishing primary concepts from supporting information, contextualising key issues, strengthening arguments through references to supplementary materials and interdisciplinary connections;
- highly developed ability to apply acquired knowledge and critically analyse results;
- clear, structured and effective communication skills, presenting arguments in a logical, coherent, mature and concise manner.
28–29 The student demonstrates:
- thorough knowledge of the subject, showing familiarity with the relevant contents, appropriate use of terminology, and the ability to identify and explain most of the key concepts;
- solid understanding of the subject matter, correctly framing most of the relevant issues, although not always clearly distinguishing between primary and secondary aspects;
- very good ability to apply knowledge and analyse results;
- clear and well-organised communication, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner, despite occasional minor inaccuracies.
25–27 The student demonstrates:
- good knowledge of the subject, showing familiarity with the main contents, although some concepts may not be explained fully or with complete accuracy;
- adequate understanding of the subject matter, recognising the main issues but not always placing them within a broader critical framework;
- good ability to apply acquired knowledge;
- generally clear communication, although occasionally incomplete, schematic or repetitive in the organisation of ideas.
22–24 The student demonstrates:
- acceptable knowledge of the subject, with an understanding of most of the relevant contents but with some gaps and uncertainties regarding important, though non-essential, concepts;
- essential understanding of the subject matter, occasionally showing difficulties in accurately framing or discussing specific topics;
- satisfactory ability to apply the fundamental concepts of the discipline;
- generally correct communication, although not always fully coherent, structured or focused on the most relevant aspects.
18–21 The student demonstrates:
- limited knowledge of the subject, understanding only the most relevant contents while displaying significant gaps in preparation;
- basic understanding of the subject matter, with difficulties in identifying and discussing key concepts accurately and comprehensively;
- uncertain ability to apply the fundamental concepts of the discipline;
- weak communication skills, characterised by unclear, fragmented or repetitive arguments and imprecise use of technical terminology.
Fail: The student demonstrates serious deficiencies in theoretical preparation and methodological understanding, significant difficulties in developing and supporting a coherent design proposal, inability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course, and inappropriate or inadequate use of disciplinary language.
Texts
Required readings:
- Campioli A., Lavagna M. (2013), Tecniche e Architettura, CittàStudi Edizioni, Torino. (Experimentation book)
- Malacarne G. (2013), La Casa. Forme e luoghi dell’abitare urbano, Skira, Ginevra-Milano. (exercitation book)
- Nardi G. (2001), Tecnologie dell’architettura, Clup, Milano (theoritical book)
Recommended readings:
- De Capua A. (2002), Nuovi paradigmi per il progetto sostenibile, Gangemi, Roma. (theoritical book)
- Puglisi V., Cazzaniga M. (2019) Costruire un edificio. Tecniche, sistemi e materiali costruttivi, Collana Politecnica, Maggioli Editore, Rimini. (Experimentation book)
Webliography:
Other Study Material; Lessons slide on Microsoft Teams
Contents
1_ Course Syllabus:
This course is coordinated with the parallel course section taught by Prof. Alberto De Capua.
As specified in Article 5 of the Degree Programme Regulations (for the Single-Cycle Master’s Degree in Architecture, Class LM-4 c.u.): “the course focuses primarily on foundational training and practical exercises in synthesizing knowledge; upon completion, students must demonstrate—through assessments—that they have mastered the fundamentals... of the disciplines preparatory to the technical control and construction of architectural projects.”
Since its inception, the course has belonged to the traditional disciplinary body of architectural studies; its title reflects the subject matter of Architectural Technology, which focuses on the study of architectural realization processes. The syllabus employs a methodology that—while aiming to produce a technical feasibility study, a definitive design, and partial executive design exercises—prioritizes critical reflection on the design process itself.
The broader objective is to contribute to the development of a new construction culture capable of bridging the gap between the conceptual design phase and the actual construction phase.
The course is designed as a practical exercise in technological design, rejecting the notion of design as an autonomous or isolated activity; it fosters an understanding of "building processes" and the role of technological knowledge within the design workflow. The aim is for students to gain insight into the social role of the designer and the relationships established during architectural construction—specifically the interplay between form and content, environmental and social goals, material usage and performance, and the logic of space, function, and structure. The educational program is structured around "ex cathedra" teaching covering fundamental themes and theoretical/technical knowledge (first phase), followed by tutoring sessions dedicated to project development (second phase); the project concept must be expressed in terms of both materials and technology, and subsequently developed in greater detail at the appropriate scale. Course attendance and progress will be assessed through interim evaluations corresponding to three levels of activity: analysis and knowledge acquisition; development; and verification/validation.
More information
Students may meet with the lecturer at the end of each class and during the weekly office hours. Students who are unable to attend regularly are required to agree with the lecturer on appropriate working arrangements and any alternative activities necessary to fulfil the course requirements and sit the final examination.
The first lecture of the course is dedicated to introducing the theoretical contents, practical exercises, assessment procedures and evaluation criteria. During the first two lectures, the lecturer will assess students’ prior knowledge in order to ensure an effective understanding of the course topics and the key issues that students are expected to master throughout the learning process.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Agenda 2030
The second-year course in Architectural Technology addresses several topics that are closely related to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In particular, the course contributes to the development of a design-oriented awareness focused on environmental, economic and social sustainability, in accordance with the principles promoted by the Agenda.
Among the most relevant goals, particular attention is devoted to Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which encourages the design of urban and built environments that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), which promotes the adoption of innovative, resilient and environmentally responsible technologies. These themes are addressed through the study of environmentally friendly materials, low-energy construction techniques and the efficient use of natural resources.
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) is incorporated into the course through lectures dedicated to building energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is addressed through the analysis of the life cycle of building materials and construction systems, encouraging waste reduction, durability and responsible resource management.
Overall, the Architectural Technology course represents a fundamental step in the education of future architects who are aware of their professional responsibility in contributing to genuinely sustainable development, fully aligned with the objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.