Solution-sets for a regenerative environment

In the field of regenerative design, several interrelated, innovative building concepts are now challenging the traditional building paradigm and even present-day standards for sustainable design, by introducing the idea of buildings as more dynamic and interactive structures. These include the concepts of living, regenerative, restorative, and adaptive building components. In this way, these technological solutions can be defined as multifunctional highly adaptive systems, where the physical separator between the interior and exterior environment can change both its functions and its features and behaviour over time, in response to transient performance requirements and boundary conditions, with the aim of improving the overall building performance [Romano, Aelenei, Aelenei, and Mazzucchelli, 2018] protecting people from hazards and helping them access such resources as food, water, and shelter [Gambato and Zerbi, 2019]. Finally, within the principles of biophilic design, which is “the theory, science and practise of creating buildings inspired by nature, with the aim to continue the individual’s connection with nature in the environments in which we live and work every day” [Kellert, Heerwagen, and Mador, 2011], it is important to develop solutions that are imbued with positive emotional experiences, in their shape, form and dimensional design. The previous chapters have defined the characteristics of regenerative indoor environments, the environmental aspects contributing to the achievement of such goals, as well as the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will be used to assess the efficacy of the solutions. The question addressed in this chapter is how those performance levels can be achieved. More specifically, the chapter will provide advice and guidelines on the technological solution-sets that designers might apply to achieve a regenerative indoor environment. After a first definition of the main environmental aspects under consideration and the functions of the building that will be considered, the general framework for the collection of information on the various technological solutions available on the market will be presented. In the second part of the chapter, several technical solutions will be presented, which are grouped into the three main building systems: building envelope, interior elements and finishes, and active systems (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), renewable energy systems (RES), and controls). Finally, the integration of technical solutions previously identified as suitable for achieving the regenerative goals will be discussed. Within these scenarios, examples of integrated solutions designed by trainees attending the 4th COST RESTORE Training school, held in Venice, between the 2nd and the 5th of December 2019, will be summarized and discussed.