Façade Additive Strategies to Foster a Wider Concept of Comfort

This contribution is an intermediate result of the methodology applied within the research project Interconnected Nord-Est Innovation Ecosystem (iNEST). The ongoing multidisciplinary research individuates solutions for the built sector that can reduce environmental impacts and globally increase sustainability in Northeastern Italy. Starting from this conceptual framework, this paper explores methodologies to introduce new spatial concepts into the architectural object to improve specific aspects of environmental comfort. In particular, the development of the original Renovation through Design for Adaptability/Flexibility/Change methodology offers an analytical tool to study contemporary design experiences. These projects are characterized by façade elements and components modified to adapt the dwelling unit to new needs, to provide additional spaces, or to mitigate its energy impacts, thus determining different envelope configurations. Assessing the potential for integrating these façade systems into the building stock in Northeastern Italy allows us to outline the evolution of research methodologies developed within the iNEST project. Challenging the reduction of the energy footprint and adaptation to climate change, technology becomes an integral part of the architectural design process, making a fundamental contribution to define effective design approaches for intervening on existing buildings. However, it is also essential to reflect on those actions that, in a transversal way, can guarantee the quality of space in the reciprocity between individuals and environment, responding to new needs, or to new users, through design forms capable of fostering inclusive interactions.