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This talk, inspired by the International Solar Decathlon experience, explores the ecological and digital transitions in architecture, focusing on design, implementation, and management. With buildings consuming nearly half of Europe’s final energy, urgent adaptation is needed, especially for summer cooling, which exacerbates the urban heat island effect. Chiara Tonelli, a professor in architecture, has led groundbreaking research and projects on energy-efficient housing and urban regeneration.
Drawing on the experience of participating in the International Solar Decathlon, this talk critically examines the ecological and digital transitions and their impact on architecture at the design, implementation, and management levels. Buildings, responsible for nearly half of Europe’s final energy consumption, urgently need
to adapt in terms of flexibility and construction techniques.
Summer cooling is increasingly problematic, consuming three times more energy than heating per degree produced. Current air conditioning systems, by cooling interiors and expelling heat outside, intensify the urban heat island effect, making cities unlivable in summer. High-performance building envelopes, optimal building
orientation, and summer shading devices can mitigate these effects while integrating clean energy systems for thermal and electrical production.
However, the real challenge lies not in creating perfect buildings but in managing them effectively. No model home has ever achieved predicted consumption once inhabited. The issue is the occupants—us. Without learning to manage our homes and cities responsibly, reducing consumption will remain an unfulfilled goal. This is a shared responsibility, as we all live and contribute to both the problem and the solution.
Link https://iusspavia.zoom.us/my/br.saladelcamino
Chiara Tonelli, Full Professor in Architecture, was Rector’s Delegate for “Environmental Sustainability” (2017–2022) and “Startup and Enterprise” (2015–2017). An architect since 1996, she served on the Rome Architects’ Council (2017–2021) and in several technical commissions. Her research focuses on residential construction, energy efficiency, and technological innovation.
She coordinated Roma Tre University’s participation in the Solar Decathlon, winning third place in 2012 with “MED in Italy” and first place in 2014 with “RhOME for denCity”. She also led the Lazio Regional Energy Plan (2015–2016) and directed a bilateral project on Positive Energy Buildings for Urban Regeneration (2014–2016), funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
