One of the aspects that is most frequently criticised in modern architecture is the poor durability of the technological solutions opted for. At first sight, the problem looks like a purely economic one, considering that durability requires that certain requirements be fulfilled for a given period of time; therefore, we are not dealing with an absolute value, but relative to the number of years considered. This has led to the statement that the poor durability of some buildings is not necessarily a negative fact, since, if their functional service life is shorter than that of their components, they can be more conveniently demolished and rebuilt. This can however place a cost on society which is not to be underestimated, if we also look at the problem of the endurability of a building, we see that functional requirements should be conditional on durability requirements, instead of the opposite. If, therefore, we assume that durability is a reference value, it is with this that the opportunity of using technological innovation must be compared. These have always been essential tools in the history of architecture, but they have been inadequately tested so far and cannot therefore guarantee durability. In technological innovation, there is the need to make a distinction between the innovation which makes use of new materials and that which uses old materials in a new way. In the latter case, it is easier to foresee the effect that the new use will have on durability, especially when using digital simulation techniques that, by generating output in different modes, offer the opportunity to check the project in two, three, four dimensions both “in itinere” as well as from an “a priori” point of view. Information will be given regarding the application of such methodology, in particular on traditional materials, such as wood, natural stone, brick, ceramics and glass, used in a new way.

Technological innovation and durability

DRINGOLI, MASSIMO;FIAMMA, PAOLO
2004-01-01

Abstract

One of the aspects that is most frequently criticised in modern architecture is the poor durability of the technological solutions opted for. At first sight, the problem looks like a purely economic one, considering that durability requires that certain requirements be fulfilled for a given period of time; therefore, we are not dealing with an absolute value, but relative to the number of years considered. This has led to the statement that the poor durability of some buildings is not necessarily a negative fact, since, if their functional service life is shorter than that of their components, they can be more conveniently demolished and rebuilt. This can however place a cost on society which is not to be underestimated, if we also look at the problem of the endurability of a building, we see that functional requirements should be conditional on durability requirements, instead of the opposite. If, therefore, we assume that durability is a reference value, it is with this that the opportunity of using technological innovation must be compared. These have always been essential tools in the history of architecture, but they have been inadequately tested so far and cannot therefore guarantee durability. In technological innovation, there is the need to make a distinction between the innovation which makes use of new materials and that which uses old materials in a new way. In the latter case, it is easier to foresee the effect that the new use will have on durability, especially when using digital simulation techniques that, by generating output in different modes, offer the opportunity to check the project in two, three, four dimensions both “in itinere” as well as from an “a priori” point of view. Information will be given regarding the application of such methodology, in particular on traditional materials, such as wood, natural stone, brick, ceramics and glass, used in a new way.
2004
8884430704
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/89625
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