Research for Development

This open access book presents theoretical and practical research relating to the vast, publicly financed program for the construction of new schools and the reorganization of existing educational buildings in Italy. This transformative process aims to give old buildings a fresh identity, to ensure that facilities are compliant with the new educational and teaching models, and to improve both energy efficiency and structural safety with respect to seismic activity. The book is divided into three sections, the first of which focuses on the social role of the school as a civic building that can serve the needs of the community. Innovations in both design and construction processes are then analyzed, paying special attention to the Building Information Modeling (BIM) strategy as a tool for the integration of different disciplines. The final section is devoted to the built heritage and tools, technologies, and approaches for the upgrading of existing buildings so that they meet the newregulations on building performance. The book will be of interest to all who wish to learn about the latest insights into the challenges posed by, and the opportunities afforded by, a comprehensive school building and renovation program.

This volume collects the results from the Politecnico di Milan’s award-winning “Boa_Ma_Nhã, Maputo!” research-by-design project, which studied various transdisciplinary approaches to development in the context of the Global South. The challenges of urbanization are well known, but that only goes so far in aiding implementation. From local considerations like water access and housing rights to global issues like climate change, territorial development demands solutions that address the needs of the specific population while keeping such goals as sustainability and inclusion in mind. By focusing on a number of towns within the Maputo Province of Mozambique, and thus addressing many of the issues endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa, the research, structurally presented so as to aid those who may require introduction to the issue, makes a clear case in favor of always keeping the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus in mind when formulating development strategies for improving people’s lives, as well as the wisdom of marrying academic findings with the insights accrued by local NGOs and institutions, thereby expanding the potential idea bank beyond the Eurocentric status quo that has tended to dominate the field.

This book presents a comprehensive guide to the design of playing robots and the related play experiences. Play is a natural activity for building and improving abilities, and it reveals important particularly for persons with disabilities. Many social, physical and cultural factors may hinder children with disabilities from fully enjoying play as their peers. Autonomous robots with specific characteristics can enhance the ludic experience, having implications for the character of the play and presenting opportunities related to autonomy and physical movement, the very nature of robots. Their introduction into play thus provides everybody, and in particular persons with disabilities, new possibilities for developing abilities, improving general status, participating in social contexts, as well as supporting professionals in monitoring progress.

This book delves into the invaluable contributions made by the Italian UNESCO Chairs toward addressing the intricate and pressing global challenges of our era. Established within the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs program initiated by UNESCO in 1992, these Chairs serve as vital links between the realms of academic research and civil society. They offer a conduit for disseminating knowledge, thereby advancing the objectives of global development. By facilitating the transfer and adoption of scientific methodologies through intellectual collaboration, they strive to enhance the sustainability and resilience of both individual communities and society at large.

Through a series of dialogues, the Italian UNESCO Chairs critically examine the challenges inherent in this mission, the objectives they aim to achieve, the strategies employed in scientific research, and the development of novel areas of study. They approach these endeavors with a conscientious and responsible mindset, recognizing them as essential responses to the multifaceted issues arising in our rapidly evolving world.

The contributions put forth by the Italian UNESCO Chairs serve as practical tools for the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, making them relevant to various stakeholders. These include not only citizens, scholars, public and private institutions, research centers, and administrators but also anyone with an interest in tackling the challenges of sustainable development in our everyday lives.

This book explores the concept of fragile heritage as an architectural legacy and a territorial resource in rural China, emphasizing the significance in safeguarding its unique cultural trajectory, and laying the groundwork for future developments. Chinese rural buildings and settlements encapsulate priceless cultural values, but become increasingly vulnerable, under increasing pressures. Socioeconomic transitions, climate change, political agendas, land rent speculation, awakenings, and commodifications of cultural values, redefine the conceptual and operational framework of countryside transformation, and contribute to the debate on contemporary architectural and urban design. In this context, rural authenticity emerges as a crucial value in architectural morpho-typology, construction techniques, and expressive codes.

The book introduces the notion of fragile heritage as the crossroad between folklore, academia, and practice. Next, it put in place reading methods to frame rural settlements as cultural palimpsests, indissolubly tying architectures to the landscape. These concepts are then applied to a multiscalar analysis of fifteen traditional architectures to uncover rural space and society's physical and cultural dimensions. Finally, it discusses recent revitalization projects, highlighting the potential role of architectural design.

The research methodology relies on fieldwork campaigns in the Fujian and Zhejiang Provinces of China between 2017 and 2019 and a subsequent critical ri-elaboration that leverages the graphic apparatus as the fundamental investigative tool. The central idea put forward in this book is that, between tradition and innovation, the fragile heritage of past societies needs a cultural translation, interpretation, and negotiation to find space and life in the contemporary milieu.

This book examines postwar Italian craft and design (1948-1962) through a multidisciplinary lens, reassessing its significance today. It explores the enduring appeal of artifacts within and beyond museum contexts, emphasizing their role as dynamic tools that transcend historical value. Addressing future challenges, the book highlights their relevance in enriching society, supporting creative industries, and aligning with UNESCO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Building on seminal exhibitions such as "Il Design Italiano Degli Anni ’50" (Milan, 1981), "Anni Cinquanta" (Milan, 2005), and "Il Modo Italiano" (Montreal-Toronto-Rovereto, 2006-2007), the book underscores the pivotal role of 1950s design in shaping Italy’s postwar renewal. It testifies to the emergence of a vibrant creative world rooted in cultural heritage and sustained by networks of artisans, manufacturers, artists, designers, and architects – each contributing to an interconnected and territorially grounded design culture. Organized into three thematic sections, it explores the uniqueness of Italian design (Section 1: On the Uniqueness of Italian Design), archival practices (Section 2: Archives for Memory and the Future), and exhibition strategies (Section 3: Made in Italy on Display Inside and Outside Museums). The book advocates for innovative strategies in data and memory sharing to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Italy’s cultural assets, ensuring their continued relevance while maintaining their connection to local identities and production practices. Drawing on case studies, experts from diverse fields – including architecture, museums, decorative arts, craft, product and interior design – examine Italian craftsmanship’s heritage and its connections to local communities. Their essays illustrate how interdisciplinary enquiries converge into a unified narrative, benefiting from modern approaches to preservation, communication, exhibition, and promotion across physical, digital, and virtual experiences. The book also addresses practical concerns for individuals, industries, archives, museums, and cultural institutions. It provides insights into best practices for presenting design artifacts, leveraging social media for engagement, and fostering partnerships to amplify the impact of cultural initiatives. Emphasizing community participation and cross-sector collaboration, it emphasizes the importance of sustaining Italy’s design legacy. Beyond academia and professional circles, the book engages a wider audience by raising public awareness of Italy’s cultural heritage and its nature for future generations. It suggests strategies for mitigating overtourism, enhancing engagement with Italy’s design heritage, and developing sustainable tourism initiatives that support local communities. By demonstrating the lasting influence of Italian craftsmanship and design, the book positions heritage as a living tradition that continues to shape contemporary life.