Off-site Construction to simplify the energy transition in social housing
▶Summary
The project's primary goal was to redefine the role and professional profile of architects in Europe, in response to the rapid changes occurring in contemporary society and the evolving demands of...
▶Objectives
The project's primary goal was to redefine the role and professional profile of architects in Europe, in response to the rapid changes occurring in contemporary society and the evolving demands of the construction market. In line with recent European directives on ecological transition, the construction market now requires architects to have vertical digitalisation skills and higher levels of training in energy efficiency. The project therefore aimed to bridge the significant gap between professional training and market requirements, establishing concrete tools for off-site design implementation. The survey and project in particular focused on applying off-site technologies to the energy retrofitting of public social housing, emphasising the importance of this approach in times of housing crisis. The project trained a group of architects in this area, contributed to the development of new operational guidelines, and engaged local policymakers and stakeholders to establish a network of individuals committed to working collectively towards this goal.
▶Activities
The project tackled two of the most pressing contemporary issues — the climate crisis and the housing shortage — in an integrated way. Against this backdrop, off-site construction systems were promoted as an advanced, efficient technological solution capable of meeting the needs of the construction sector in a sustainable, inclusive and scalable way. The project focused on the energy redevelopment of public social housing. The aim was to improve the environmental and social performance of existing buildings by promoting urban regeneration projects geared towards sustainability and the resilience of local communities. At the same time, the project tackled the structural issues that plague the construction sector, with a particular focus on vocational training, fostering an innovative culture and evolving the production chain. Project activities were therefore intended to promote systemic change in the sector by transferring skills, testing innovative models and creating new synergies between public and private stakeholders.
▶Impact
Handbook of Good Practices; Workshops Report; Project Booklet; Off-site Practice Manual for Architects; Off-site Forum