The workshop explored the relationship between architectural design, flexible spaces and sustainability.
The workshop “The Art of Design and the Science of Building: Comparing Visions”, hosted by Infoprogetto, was held last April 3 at the Leonardi farm near Modena. The event brought together experts in the field to reflect on how architectural design can enhance contemporary construction by balancing aesthetics and functionality.
Speakers included architect Katia Gentilucci of Progetto CMR, architect Giovanni Franceschelli of Rizoma Architetture, and engineer Marco Monaco, an expert in sustainability, who shared their experiences and visions on the link between architecture and design.
Importance of Sustainable Certification in the Building Sector: focus on the LEED Protocol
Eng. Marco Monaco emphasized the importance of sustainable certification, highlighting the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) protocol. Today, the sustainable construction sector involves not only public entities but also private investment funds, which are increasingly oriented toward green and low-impact buildings.
Sustainable construction means creating buildings that reduce environmental impact and meet the needs of end users.
Sustainability in the building sector has three main dimensions: social, economic and product. A renovation or new construction must meet all these aspects, ensuring the quality of materials through appropriate environmental certifications, as well as ensuring social acceptability and economic feasibility.
The LEED Protocol
Introduced in the United States in 1998, the LEED protocol is one of the most widely recognized certifications for green buildings. This rating system works like a “sustainability report card,” assigning scores based on criteria such as energy efficiency, use of sustainable materials, water management and quality of interior spaces.
LEED certification is not limited to the construction of new buildings, but also includes the rehabilitation and improvement of existing buildings. Each project is evaluated through specific categories, including energy efficiency, transportation management, and site sustainability. Projects can achieve different levels of certification-Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum, depending on the accumulated score.
The workshop showed how design, sustainability and functionality can converge to create innovative, people-centered projects. Shared, flexible and sustainable spaces represent the future of building and architectural design today.