Design competition for a university campus in Rome

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The concept was realized considering, first and foremost, efficiency and sustainability; it consists of two macro project areas. A master plan of the entire lot and an architectural focus on the main building, called precisely “Architectural focus.” The sustainability strategies included in the concept were inspired by LEED® protocol guidelines. In particular, the Architectural Focus building was designed to achieve LEED® certification, LEED® Gold level. The open spaces were designed to provide the building’s occupants with the opportunity to relate to the outdoors to improve their well-being and productivity. For the green areas, a selection of plant species was made: native, adapted and drought-resistant plants that were selected in order to reduce the need for irrigation, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, the landscape was designed to minimize effects on microclimates by reducing the heat island effect.
The concept emphasized the goal of maintaining the natural water cycle, reducing runoff volume and improving water quality, this by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site. Stormwater was designed to be treated as a resource rather than a waste product, encouraging its infiltration, filtration, storage, and reuse.
In addition, a phytodepuration system, that is, a natural wastewater purification system consisting of an impermeable pond with a gravel bottom and vegetated by aquatic plants, has been provided. From the treatment, purified water complying with legal limits is obtained, without sludge production. Purification occurs through the combined action of gravel substrate, plants, wastewater and microorganisms.
Al fine di ottimizzare la manutenzione e le operazioni legate all’energia e all’efficienza degli impianti è stato progettato un polo tecnologico dedicato al solo Focus Architettonico, con apparecchiature termiche, frigorifere ed elettriche ad alta efficienza. Questo polo tecnologico è stato progettato per l’alloggio di pompe di calore condensate ad aria, apparecchiature di trigenerazione per la produzione contemporanea di acqua calda e refrigerata ed elettricità, pompe di calore, torri di raffreddamento, sottostazioni elettriche, quadri elettrici, sistemi antincendio. Gli spazi all’interno dell’hub sono stati ottimizzati per ottenere facile accesso e manutenzione.
Il comfort termico negli spazi occupati è stato concepito conforme alla classe B secondo ISO 7730: 2005. La temperatura e la velocità dell’aria sono state analizzate con l’analisi CFD, mentre il comfort luminoso è stato analizzato con il calcolo della luce diurna.
In the concept of the architectural focus, the following LEED® strategies were involved: high efficiency of HVAC equipment, low LCGWP (life-cycle global warming potential), control of local thermal comfort, lighting comfort due to LED lamps with CRI> 80 (color rendering index), renewable energy production, mechanical ventilation, reduced potable water consumption due to efficient drain and flow equipment, and finally metering devices for water consumption and energy consumption.
In terms of materials, the concept focused on the selection of building materials with high pre and post-consumer recycled content and low emissions and VOC content; materials were selected by maximizing regional sourcing characteristics. Finally, dedicated areas were provided for the collection of waste during operation; particularly for paper, glass, plastic, batteries, and electronic waste.

SUSTAINABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS PROJECT

1.   Air handling units with high efficiency heat recovery and outdoor air flow rates according to ASHARAE 62.1.2010
2.   High-efficiency HVAC equipment
3.   Plumbing and sanitary equipment with reduced potable water flow rates
4.   Water management of stormwater
5.   LED luminaires
6.   Maximization of daylights into spaces
7.   Use of materials with high recycled content
8.   Use of regionally sourced building materials
9.   Use of low-emitting materials
10. High-reflectance exterior cladding materials

CERTIFICATION

Rating system: LEED® BD+C v4: New construction and major renovation
Certification level: LEED® Gold

ACTIVITIES

Sostenibilità ambientale dell’intervento

Activity of analysis of the environmental sustainability of the intervention, especially referring to the issues below; all the issues reported, were analyzed and proposed interweaving them with the requirements of the LEED® protocol.

– Analysis of the energy efficiency of the systems: selection of high-efficiency HVAC and electrical systems in order to limit the building’s energy consumption.

– Design of efficient use of water resources: water-sanitary equipment and toilet flush cisterns with low water consumption were selected. In addition, a rainwater harvesting system was set up both for irrigation purposes and to replenish the water table through connection to leaking wells. Finally, a system of treatment, through phytodepuration, and collection of gray water produced during use has been implemented.

– Indoor Space Thermal Comfort Assessment: heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems were chosen for the concept in order to meet the requirements of the ASHRAE 55-2010 Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy standard. This procedure involves calculating the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) and PPD (Percentage of Person Dissatisfied) value in order to assess the ideal comfort of the occupants in each space and support in the design phase the proper improvements to pursue the goal. In addition, the building’s mechanical ventilation was designed to ensure the healthiness of the spaces to protect the health of the occupants.
Lighting comfort was analyzed by allowing users the possibility of regulation in individual spaces and small group regulation, for spaces with collective occupancy.

– Sustainability assessment of outdoor spaces and landscape: choice of exterior finishing materials, walkways and roofing to limit the heat island phenomenon. Parking lots also were placed in underground spaces to maximize the green landscape area.

– Selection of sustainable building materials: building materials were selected in order to maximize the percentage contribution of end-of-life recyclable/high-recycled components and low emissions and VOC content. Great attention was paid to the geographical origin of materials, favoring the selection of materials whose raw material extraction and production sites were local.

– Supported carbon footprint calculation, providing energy consumption of the designed building

PROJECT TEAM