The macro-area focuses on scientific, educational, and training activities in the fields of architectural engineering and design.
ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING encompasses the scientific and disciplinary analysis of building systems, including their construction, functional, typological, and formal characteristics, as well as their hierarchical organization. This analysis focuses on evaluating the feasibility of projects and ensuring their compliance with essential requirements. It necessitates the critical assessment of both traditional and innovative construction techniques, along with the technologies that assist professionals in their application and the associated production processes. The scope covers issues related to new constructions at various scales, as well as the preservation, restoration, and renovation of existing structures.
Scientific and disciplinary content of TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN, encompass tools, methods, and techniques for architectural design across various scales. It also involves approaches to transforming, constructing, maintaining, rehabilitating, and managing both natural and built environments. These efforts are guided by a focus on the technological design of architectures, using a performance- and requirements-based approach to buildings and construction assets.
The scope includes the conceptualization of projects linked to constructive design, technological innovation, and experimentation, with a strong emphasis on social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Scientific content further explores the history and technological culture of design and construction, alongside the study of building technologies and construction systems throughout their historical evolution.
Key areas of focus include:
- The analysis of natural and artificial materials;
- The design and testing of materials, components, and construction systems;
- Sustainable building design and energy efficiency;
- Management of the design process;
- Technologies for design, construction, and transformation;
- Building maintenance and management;
- Product and process innovation;
- Critical evaluation of design alternatives;
- Dynamics of requirements, performance considerations, and quality control in architectural and environmental projects;
- Problem representation through engineering techniques;
- Laboratory and on-site experimentation; and
- Data analysis.
Scientific and disciplinary content related to DESIGN focuses on theories, methods, techniques, and tools for the creation of both material and virtual artifacts. This involves examining their morphological characteristics and their relationships with user needs and behaviors; the productive, constructive, performance, safety, and quality aspects inherent in industrial systems; and the functional, ergonomic, economic, social, and environmental sustainability requirements. It also encompasses visual languages, artistic practices, and the aesthetic and cultural meaning of design.
The scientific content explores the theoretical and historical-critical framework of artifacts, along with the specific forms of design thinking as an interdisciplinary practice. Design thinking is presented as a synthesis of knowledge involved in the creation of artifacts throughout their life cycle. Additionally, design is viewed as a strategic tool for envisioning socio-technical scenarios and developing innovative solutions through the application and transfer of technological advancements.
Research and application areas include product design, communication design, interior design, fashion design, and their systemic integrations
