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Activity Funded

Well-Balanced Energy Housing: Reasoning Method towards interventions crossing Heritage, Efficiency and Comfort

Habitação com bom equilíbrio energético: Método de reflexão para intervenções entre Património, Eficiência e Conforto

Reference
2023.11189.PEX
Project Start Date
2025-02-03
Project End Date
2027-02-02
Principal Investigator
Scientific Area
Humanities
Funding Program
Concurso de Projetos Exploratórios em Todos os Domínios Científicos 2023

Abstract

The WellBEH project proposes the development of an original reasoning method named ReCARe through its application to a practical case in order to reach a combined design of diagnosis and intervention plan based on the challenging articulation of three pillars: preservation of the housing heritage, improvement of energy efficiency, and enhancement of the comfort of inhabitants. WellBEH conceives intervention practices as the outcome of an integrated exercise, linking historical and architectural values, bioclimatic strategies, and participatory processes in which Architecture and Research - through Design - play a fundamental role. This research project is based on reasoning with regard to the built environment as a decision-making process in the context of architectural heritage preservation, in balance with current environmental and social needs, while also considering space uses and their impact on energy consumption to enhance the comfort of the inhabitants. WellBEH proposes applying the ReCARe method to the Luso-Lima Housing Complex (J.C. Loureiro and L. Pádua Ramos, 1961-1968) as a living laboratory. This complex, built at the initiative of Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto (SCMP), represents a significant construction period in Porto, serving as a model for other housing ensembles. The Luso-Lima stands as an undeniable reference of architectural, urbanistic, and social value. However, it is currently facing challenges related to the urgency of preserving this legacy and the indispensable adaptation to contemporary energy and comfort parameters. The retrofitting of Modern architecture is an urgent and complex process, both due to the necessary response to contemporary societal challenges (e.g., climate adaptation and well-being) and the strong connection with the cultural and heritage values of this legacy. Within this universe, ordinary housing heritage with distinct characteristics and enormous potential for adaptation and improvement of efficiency and comfort deserve special attention. These buildings form a significant part of the urban and cultural structure but are often neglected in intervention policies. The balanced management of the preservation of this heritage with energy-sustainable solutions is a pressing and fundamental challenge to ensure the continuity and value of these complexes and the well-being and comfort of their inhabitants. The ReCARe method – Recognition, Collection, Analysis, Reasoning – relies on an interdisciplinary approach and includes the application of quantitative and qualitative data to a digital model, allowing for the assessment and diagnosis of the three pillars integrated across different scales and dimensions in a simultaneously top-down and bottom-up methodology. The method yields the data reasoning based on two binomial analyses: cost-benefit and sequence-urgency. The ReCARe will enable the development of: a) a Method Manual with detailed information for the replicability of the process; b) an Intervention Manual with guidelines for future action; c) and a User Manual with accessible information for users. These outputs will address different stakeholders (experts, promoters, and inhabitants). The WellBEH project thus has the following main general objectives: i) to develop an innovative approach to the retrofitting of Modern ordinary housing heritage; ii) to provide a method (ReCARe) as a replicable tool; iii) to test strategies to encourage inhabitant involvement. The project brings together a team composed of architects, engineers, and sociologists with different experiences and professional backgrounds and international consultants with a relevant curriculum in the disciplinary areas of the project. The work will be developed in close liaison with the SCMP, ensuring access to both graphical information and to buildings and inhabitants/tenants. WellBEH aims to foster greater cooperation between academia, industry, and society in implementing new approaches to built heritage. This project stems from the knowledge built with the research 'Design and Intervention between Form and Function' [CEEC/INST/00162/2018] in analysing the relationship between intervention strategies and energy sustainability measures. WellBEH will also work in connection with the activities conducted by the Docomomo International Specialist Committee on Technology and Docomomo Portugal. Future project developments include the implementation of the method in different contexts and with other binomial analyses and the optimisation of the digital model for process acceleration. More broadly, the results of the project will contribute to effective and inclusive actions with significant impacts on culture (promoting heritage preservation), the environment (reducing energy consumption), society (improving comfort parameters) and the economy (reducing the overall cost of operations).

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Arquitectura (FAUP)

Other Institutions

  • Universidade do Porto Instituto de Sociologia (IS)
  • Università della Svizzera italiana Accademia di Architettura (USI)
  • Associação do Instituto Superior Técnico para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento (IST-ID)
  • Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia (FEUP)

Funding 49.986,40 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

49.986,40 €