1,721,155 research outputs found
Ecodesign methods and tools: development of integrated systems to foster sustainability in industrial companies
Full text linkNegli ultimi anni, il problema ambientale ha acquisito sempre maggiore importanza e il concetto di sostenibilità ambientale è divenuto importante anche all’interno dei contesti aziendali. Al fine di promuovere la consapevolezza ambientale e di favorire la progettazione e la produzione di prodotti sostenibili, sono stati sviluppati numerosi metodi e strumenti di ecodesign. Tuttavia il loro uso all’interno delle aziende è ancora abbastanza ridotto, a causa della loro complessità, del tempo richiesto per condurre le analisi e della necessità di avere un’adeguata e specifica conoscenza. A partire da queste considerazioni, nasce perciò l’esigenza di approcci che permettano di realizzare analisi ambientali efficaci, in modo semplificato e rapido. L’obiettivo di ricerca di questo Dottorato può essere sintetizzato nella definizione di un nuovo approccio per favorire l’implementazione di strategie di ecodesign nei contesti industriali. Lo strumento software CBR (Case Base Reasoning) sviluppato inizialmente come un modulo della piattaforma G.EN.ESI e poi ottimizzato come uno strumento stand-alone, mira a supportare i progettisti collezionando lineeguida di carattere ambientale conoscenza aziendale in un framework strutturato ed organizzato. I dati collezionato all’interno del database dello strumento possono infatti contribuire ad accrescere la conoscenza del progettista sulle tematiche ambientali, facilitare la ricerca di soluzioni migliorative e ridurre il tempo legato alla risoluzione dei problemi. I progettisti, anche se con una non estesa conoscenza delle tematiche ambientali, sono in questo modo supportati nella applicazione di strategie di ecodesign e possono conseguentemente progettare prodotti con elevate prestazioni ambientali. L’implementazione dello strumento CBR in due casi industriali ha permesso di validare lo strumenti, ottimizzare le sue funzionalità e valutare la sua usabilità
The Evolution of Computational Design and XR-Enhanced Space Architecture Education
Full text linkOver the past four years, the “Architecture for Human Space Exploration” course at Politecnico di Milano has
undergone a significant evolution, marking a shift towards a more computationally designed approach, integrating
extended reality (XR) systems to deepen the understanding of human factors and habitability requirements in space
environments. This paper synthesizes the pedagogical journey and methodological advancements in teaching and
learning space architecture, reflecting on the iterative improvements and the integration of cutting-edge technologies
in the curriculum. Initially, the course focused on traditional design methodologies, emphasizing conceptual
understanding and manual design skills pertinent to space architecture. As the complexities of designing for
extraterrestrial environments became more apparent, there was a clear need to incorporate computational design
techniques. This shift not only allowed for the exploration of more complex geometries and space configurations but
also enabled the simulation of space environments to better understand the challenges of extraterrestrial habitability
The introduction of computational design tools into the curriculum was a turning point, enabling students to experiment
with parametric design and digital fabrication techniques. These tools facilitated a more nuanced exploration of the
spatial, structural, and environmental aspects of space habitats, allowing for a deeper analysis of how human factors
influence design decisions. However, the most transformative development in the didactic activity was the
incorporation of XR systems, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), into the design process. This
integration marked a departure from conventional design methodologies towards an immersive design experience. By
leveraging XR technologies, students were able to virtually inhabit their designs, gaining immediate feedback on the
scale, proportions, and usability of spaces. This hands-on experience was invaluable in understanding the
psychological and physiological needs of astronauts, ensuring that designs were not only functional but also conducive
to well-being in extreme environments. The use of XR systems in space architecture education represents a forward-
thinking approach to design education, one that recognizes the importance of human-centric design in the unforgiving
context of space. Through this immersive design process, students have been able to explore innovative solutions to
complex problems, considering not just the technical requirements of space habitats but also the human experience of
living and working in such environments. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the
“Architecture for Human Space Exploration” course, highlighting the pedagogical strategies employed, the integration
of computational and immersive technologies, and the impact of these methodologies on students’ design outcomes
DURABOT: THE TOOL TO INTRODUCE DURABILITY IN THE DESIGN PROCESS
Full text linkThe extension of the product lifecycle is crucial in the application of Circular Economy principles. However, when Energy Related Products are concerned, managing a durable product does not necessarily mean dealing with sustainable products. This happens because components and/or materials are affected by aging and lead to increased requirement of resources to run (i.e. electricity); there are certain trends that, although distinct from the previous facts, balance the effects of aging, i.e. energy grid mix decarbonization. In the present work an approach that considers both the economic and environmental consequences of durable products is proposed. The Durabot tool has been developed to accomplish the environmental analysis. The work overcomes the main literature criticalities: enables the assessment of environmental consequences of durability; the evolution of energy grid mix is introduced; the environmental consequences of durable products in different lifecycle scenarios can be assessed during the design phase; therefore, the components to substitute and to make accessible are identified. The tool is intended to be used aiming at design for product lifecycle extension, maintaining both economic and environmental convenience © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press
Efficiency and environmental analysis of a system for renewable electricity generation and electrochemical storage of residential buildings
No full textGoing Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Review of ecodesign methods and tools. Barriers and strategies for an effective implementation in industrial companies
No full textThe purpose of this study is to perform a new literature review of the principal ecodesign methods and tools published in the literature over the last twenty years with the objective of understanding the main obstacles that limit their actual and effective implementation in industrial companies. The main research studies on ecodesign issues are presented and classified in a structured framework on the basis of the scope perspective. Then, an exploration of the main barriers, according to the literature, that prevent the implementation of ecodesign approaches in industrial companies, is presented and compared with possible strategies that allow these barriers to be overcome
A Sustainability by Design Lesson Learned from Space
Full text linkSpace architecture involves the integration of multiple research disciplines to establish a framework for planning secure human settlements in Low
Earth Orbit (LEO), on the Moon, or on Mars. Designing sustainable and safe
habitats for space exploration requires a diverse range of skills and knowledge.
As humanity enters an era of venturing towards neighboring celestial bodies,
NASA's Artemis program envisions establishing permanent settlements at the
South Pole of the Moon. These settlements aim to serve as testing grounds for
future generations, fostering collaboration in the creation of joint infrastructures
akin to the International Space Station's cooperative model—a new paradigm of
an "ideal city" in a unique environment. The challenge of designing in extreme
space environments is being addressed through innovative approaches such as
computational design tools, topology optimization processes, and circular design methodologies
How de-manufacturing supports circular economy linking design and EoL - a literature review
Full text linkDe-manufacturing is at the basis of the Industry of the Future that competitively and sustainably will manage natural resources. This review retrieved 106 papers investigating the main obstacles that prevent Circular Economy from being a reality and the possible actions to overcome them. The analysis of the literature outlined a great discussion regarding the key topics of CE, de-manufacturing, disassembly and re-manufacturing. The CREDIT analysis proposed by the authors clusters all the risen barriers in 6 factors (Culture, Resources, Economy, Design, Information, Technology) and 18 sub-factors. The CREDIT analysis highlights among the two most critical barriers, the costs of the activities that occur at the EoL stage and the urgency to train designers to approach design thinking to the whole Product Lifecycle; here an innovative focus of research can be more incisive to overcome the actual barriers. Future research needs to focus the attention on the potentialities hidden behind a strong cooperation between academies and enterprises in order to find a balance among the several existing DfX or unveil and tackle their single limitations. Cooperation (industrial symbiosis, academy, etc) and innovative technological solutions of industry 4.0 can help tackle the obstacle
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
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