Redevelopment of the basic historic fabric: project for Brennone 21 in Reggio Emilia

Abstract
Energy improvement of the basic building fabric of the Italian historic city centres is unavoidable. Maintaining it as it is would be the fastest route to rapid destruction.
The objective of the project Brennone21 is experimentation into planning methods and techniques for defining typological and energy remediation of the basic historic building heritage and for creating zero-emissions architecture in the historic centres of cities.

Biographical notes
Born in 1964, aggregate professor in Architectural Composition at the Faculty of Architecture of Ferrara, he carries out research and experimentation in the field of architectural design as well as studies into the relationship between project and construction and the relationship between architectural planning, sustainability and energy.

Technologies and components for energy improvement: the contribution of ceramic

Abstract
Ceramic has always been an important building material and over time has maintained and even improved on its traditional functions. Now however it has become the focus of attention for study and R&D to develop new and previously unexplored functions for achieving energy saving and sustainability in building. The report discusses the main trends and their results and expected future consequences, as well as new product types.

Biographical notes
Degree in Industrial Chemistry from University of Bologna. Coordinator of Advanced Technical Ceramics Section of Centro Ceramico Bologna, Centre of Research and Experimentation for the Ceramic Industry – Laboratory of Emilia-Romagna Region High Technology Network – and director of the Centro Ceramico thermal analysis laboratory.
He works on national and international research projects with specific scientific management roles.
He carries out scientific and research activities in the following fields: preparation of colloidal suspensions of ceramic powders, technologies for forming advanced ceramic materials (slip casting, pressure slip casting and injection moulding), functionalisation of ceramic surfaces.
He has written more than 70 scientific and general publications on the above themes in various Italian and foreign trade magazines, monographs and books

Air conditioned zone concept

Abstract
New residential, commercial and traffic areas are continually being constructed, sacrificing land and energy.  This trend could be reduced by using areas that are already intensely constructed and by adopting structured corrections. The principle of compaction is based on improving the energy balance, density and quality of living. In order to expand, energy must be saved. The new settlement models will derive from interdisciplinary work, cooperation between urban planning, architecture, energy efficiency, sociology and economics.

Biographical notes
Professional activity
1992 Course in “CAD modulation” in Paris – Opens Hitthaler architecture studio in Brunico
1996 Foundation and cooperation with building management firm Hitthaler KG of Brunico
1998 Participation in third convention for passive houses in Bregenz
1999 3rd prize with Pescoller passive house – “Intelligent Building” competition for houses with low energy consumption
2002 1st prize in the Casa Clima competition in Brunico – Joint 1st prize in architecture award in Alto Adige – maso Steger – 1st prize in Limited competition for a cooperative – B15 G1 (completed)
2003 1st prize – Limited competition for a cooperative – B15 G2 (completed)
2004 1st prize – Competition by invitation for expansion of civic museum of Bolzano (with architect Schwienbacher/in progress)
2005 1st prize – Limited competition for a cooperative – B16 G2 (completed)  
2006 “Exhibition in Ceggia: General Membrane – Young architects below 40” 
2006 bis Lecturer at Architecture faculty of University of Ferrara  
2008  Exhibition Manifesta – grundlos glücklich – mag mich oder schlag mich
Work group
Co-initiator of “Air conditioned zone” concept, 
based on compaction of existing residential areas with increase in energy efficiency

Abstract
The article presents a summary of the Energy Plan of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia and the subsequent research activities within the context of the European project LIFE-LAKS and ECO2Regio, for computation of the benefits deriving from the various energy policy actions promoted by the City Plan.
The adoption of a rigorous methodology overseen by a well-known international body by way of arbitrators has led to the conformity of the procedures followed being certified to the requirements of standard UNI ISO 14064-2, thereby making them suitable for obtaining energy efficiency certificates in the future.

Biographical notes
Researcher in Technical and Industrial Physics and Aggregate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Ferrara, where he is the coordinator of the Energy Sector of the Architecture and Energy Centre and Director of the Energetics Laboratory. Author of the Energy Plan of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia 2006-2008. He has written forty-five scientific articles published in national and international magazines.