Ricerc@Sapienza

Buildings with architectural constraints and recognized historical values entail careful design process, especially, when the aim is to improve the energy efficiency. Foreseeable interventions consist of preservation and improvement of building envelope energy performance as well as the adaptation of the built environment to modern use and its accessibility. The compatibility between the aforementioned constraints and its future more sustainable use represents the crucial challenge.

To cope with climate change energy sustainability is considered the key target EU Countries set to achieve by 2020. Existing energy users such as building stock require huge efforts to be aligned to this goal. This is the case of the University of Rome “La Sapienza” campus since it was built even before first regulations on energy saving, i.e. Italian Law 10/91. Current energy classification assigns to them the energy efficiency class G, far from class A, the energy label to be achieved by 2020.

Modern architecture built in historical urban contexts represents a demanding issue when its energy efficiency should be improved. Indeed, the strongest efforts have to be made to maintain the architectural identity and its harmony with the surrounding cultural heritage. This study deals with the main building of the School of Architecture Valle Giulia in Rome, designed by Enrico Del Debbio in the 30’s. Further constraints are related to several interventions of airspace expansion starting from 1958 which involved the building starting from 1958.