Beini Ma’s research explores the environmental, physiological and behavioural mechanisms at play in complex urban waterfronts. The case studies are Shichahai in Beijing and Parco del Valentino in Turin.

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A second training module entitled ‘Protecting the Future’, organised by PoliTO per il Sociale, will illustrate theories and practices on the themes of participation and co-design.

The addressees of the initiative are young administrators, under 35 or newly appointed, and young people under 29, in order to approach active citizenship paths by reducing the gap between politics and institutions, addressing topics that aim to increase passion for the common good, public commitment, value ethics and aimed at deepening topical issues.

At the end of the cycle, FULL issues a report to summarise the themes and methods of the initiative, a charter of intentions with the motions expressed by the course participants to be submitted to the administration, and the four-episode podcast ‘Zeta’.

Course program

March 21, 2025 – Visions for a fairer future

• At OGR
• Loris Servillo, Mauro Fontana, Erica Mangione, Manuela Ronci – Polytechnic University of Turin/FULL
Presentation of the course program and objectives.
Lecture on the challenges of planning and managing contemporary cities and the importance of thinking about the city of the future in the context of the “just city,” in line with SDG 11 of the UN Agenda: “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.”

March 28, 2025 – Regeneration of urban spaces & community spaces

• Presso Scuola primaria “G. Parini” – Corso Giulio Cesare 26
• Cristiana Rossignolo – Politecnico di Torino, Monica Postiglione e Anna Pratt – esperte della materia
Spazi di comunità come hub ibridi sociali-culturali.
• At the “G. Parini” Primary School – Corso Giulio Cesare 26
• Cristiana Rossignolo – Turin Polytechnic, Monica Postiglione and Anna Pratt – experts in the field
Community spaces as hybrid social-cultural hubs.
The presentation will explore the role of urban regeneration of common goods in Italy, analyzing approaches, policies, and tools available to cities and citizens. We will start from the experience of community spaces as cultural hubs, highlighting their impact on urban dynamics and social and institutional innovations. Within this framework, we will present the results of the SPAZI DI COMUNITÀ (COMMUNITY SPACES) research project, carried out in 2024 by NUVAP (Nucleo di Valutazione e Analisi per la Programmazione, Evaluation and Analysis Unit for Planning) at the Department for Territorial Cohesion of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, as part of the SI.VALUTA project. The research analyzed these practices at the national level, with a focus on significant experiences in the Turin area.

April 11, 2025 – Space justice and social justice in the transition towards fairer roads.

• At the Mollino Room of the Valentino Castle
• Gabriele D’Adda and Elisa Vitale – Polytechnic University of Turin/FULL
Reflections, starting from the “Just Streets” project, on spatial justice and social justice in the context of the transition to active and sustainable mobility and the creation of fairer streets. In order to make the transition from car-dominated streets to public spaces characterized by active mobility and a variety of uses, it is essential not only to take into account but also to prioritize the needs and visions of social groups that are often underrepresented in urban planning. A “critical walk” is planned in the pedestrianized area of San Salvario.

May 9, 2025 – Green/blue infrastructure and the environmental transition

• At OGR
• Manuela Ronci and Tymon Wolender – Polytechnic University of Turin/FULL
Strategic planning in river environments
The first part of the meeting will take the form of a lecture and will consist of a theoretical introduction, an overview of the evolution of the main planning approaches, and an in-depth analysis of international case studies, characterized by different focuses and scales of intervention.
The second part of the afternoon will be dedicated to workshop activities. Starting from a reflection on key issues in the transformation of urban river areas, related to the content of the lecture and applicable to the context of Turin, the workshop will aim to identify areas with regenerative potential and to develop macro-objectives/strategies/actions that could potentially be applied in the river areas of the city of Turin.

May 23, 2025 – Digital infrastructure

• At OGR and the nearby Energy Center
• Maria Ferrara – Polytechnic University of Turin/FULL/EST@EnergyCenter team
Digital Twin and climate city contract
The meeting aims to outline the potential offered by digital twins on an urban scale to support the design, implementation, and monitoring of sustainability policies for cities. In this regard, the European context will be analyzed, and in particular the response of pilot cities to the EU Mission “Climate Neutral and Smart Cities,” including the City of Turin. The meeting will conclude at the Decision Theater of the Energy Center of the Polytechnic University of Turin, with a demonstration of the current capabilities of the digital platform under development to support the drafting and monitoring of the Climate City Contract of the City of Turin, outlining its potential for further development and replicability in other urban contexts.

June 6, 2025 – Intangible culture – data and citizen science

• At Officine Creative (Cecchi Point)
• Sofia Fellini and Tommaso Listo, Polytechnic University of Turin/FULL
Data and citizen science
The meeting will be structured as follows: 1) a theoretical lesson on citizen science as a practice of knowledge construction and exchange between the public and institutions; 2) a visit to La Biblioteca dell’Aria, a citizen science project based at Officine Creative; 3) a workshop activity, in which participants will be asked to work in small groups and propose a possible citizen science project on issues relevant to their local areas, to be discussed collectively.

June 13, 2025 – Young people and public engagement

• At OGR
• Loris Servillo, Mauro Fontana, Erica Mangione, Manuela Ronci – Politecnico di Torino/FULL
Final lesson in which participants are guided through a review of the course content, with the aim of presenting their images of the city of the future through two in-person activities:
• Drafting a letter of intent to be presented to the City of Turin
• The creation of an informative podcast together with a radio communication expert

PROTECTING THE FUTURE – curated by PoliTO for Social Issues

June 19, 2025 – Theories and practices on participation and co-design
• At Castello del Valentino or online

June 26, 2025 – Practical workshop on participation and co-design
• At Valentino Castle

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As part of the 5G-EVE project, FULL Polito is developing a vertical application of the platform, focusing on the “Smart Tourism” use case. FULL’s research therefore aims to study the potential of the infrastructure to promote new methods of accessing cultural information, based on real-time interaction with physical space—within buildings, sites, or parts of cities. This approach is based on the use of augmented reality (AR) and micro-localization technologies and aims to enrich the user experience by providing contextual information accurately related to the perceived space, on both an architectural and urban scale.

2019 was the year of extensive development of 5G technology, capable of guaranteeing access to large amounts of data at higher speeds, opening the field to new developments and possibilities. This is the context for the European 5G-EVE project (5g-eve.eu), funded by the European Community as part of the public-private partnership of H2020 projects, with the aim of creating a horizontal validation platform for extensive testing of 5th generation cellular network (5G) standards. The project develops and connects the infrastructure of various European sites (in Greece, Spain, France, and Italy) to create a single end-to-end service.

As part of the 5G-EVE project, FULL Polito is developing a vertical application of the platform, focusing on the “Smart Tourism” use case. FULL’s research therefore aims to study the potential of the infrastructure to promote new methods of accessing cultural information, based on real-time interaction with physical space—within buildings, sites, or parts of cities. This approach is based on the use of augmented reality (AR) and micro-localization technologies and aims to enrich the user experience by providing contextual information accurately related to the perceived space, on both an architectural and urban scale.

The trials are taking place in a section of Turin’s Spina 2 district that is already equipped with 5G infrastructure, specifically between the Officine Grandi Riparazioni (OGR) events center and Turin Porta Susa station.

The work involves developing a mobile app capable of requesting and receiving data from a server via the 5G network. The transmission range is exploited to obtain spatial models and large amounts of multimedia information. In addition, the edge computing capabilities of the infrastructure are used to keep the data received by the device up to date, based on the user’s location and activities, defined using GPS, AR, and other location-supporting technologies.

An initial prototype validated the app’s general features. The tool is divided into two parts relating to the two scales of information granularity: architectural and urban. The first part aims to display information about services and landmarks in the context in AR, by superimposing labels on images in open areas. At the architectural scale, and also in closed environments, the second component of the prototype uses AR to display more detailed information (theses, images and videos, structured data).

These functions were tested within the OGR area, where the AR experience was activated through the recognition of works of art. In addition, it is possible to activate a navigable 3D map with information on the services available within the facility.

Starting from this prototype, work is underway to extend the area of application to the various sites covered by the validation infrastructure (Sanpaolo Skyscraper, Porta Susa Station, Le Nuove Prison, and OGR) and to introduce additional functions. These include indoor AR navigation functions – for example, for accessing train platforms at the station – AR functions based on the tracking of three-dimensional objects through point cloud scans, virtual tour experiences with spherical images – particularly at the Le Nuove Prison museum – and access to geospatial and historical information about the urban fabric of Spina 2.

The system under construction is based on a structure with two virtual machines, the first of which enables geo-query web services that filter data and functions according to the buffer area in which the user is located, while the second hosts the geospatial database containing the files to be sent to the devices and the related metadata. The system allows the development of “lightweight” applications that, at the local level, i.e., on the physical memory of the device, maintain the minimum amount of data necessary, leaving it to the 5G structure to quickly update or stream information and ensure a smooth and rich user experience.

Finally, an automated testing system was set up to detect the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) of the developed architecture without requiring the use of the app in the field, but using an emulator of the app itself, which reproduces its queries and receives the requested content from the server.

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To do so, the scope of this research is to implement a Database and a Design Management System and Dynamic Tool (DMDT) to assist preliminary phases of design and definition of strategic design approach and sustainable development.

Introduction

Building upon ongoing research, this work aims to explore the relationship between sustainable economic models and the management methods for the built environment, by developing and refining a design and management tool that could support decision making, design, delivery and management of sustainable urban and architectural projects.

Theoretical Background

Neoclassical economics studies define innovation as a primary source of economic growth (Schumpeter, 1942; Solow, 1956; Schmookler, 1966; Freeman, 1970; Scherer, 1982; Ruddock & Ruddock, 2009), as well as a key component of company competitive advantage in market economies (Barney, 1986; Bettis & Hitt, 1995; Teece, 2007). Higgin (2013) explained that the interest in the connection between economic growth and the limits of Earth’s natural resources had been lacking up until 1972, when members of the Club of Rome (politicians, business people and scientists) published an alarming report regarding the potential collapse of physical growth on Earth due to pollution, depletion of resources and excessive population growth. Since then, many authors have explained that the paradox exists between the concept of economic growth, progress and innovation and the one of sustainable development (e.g. Higgin, 2013; Gauvin, 2011, Meadows, Meadows & Randers, 1972; Haapanen, Liisa & Tapio, Petri, 2016). Particularly in the context of architecture and management of the built environment, the call for sustainability and resilience has triggered the need for a paradigmatic shift in many parts of the industry. Such changes span from the proposals for new design strategies to the development of novel management systems for emerging social, environmental and economic challenges. Yet, the ability to define effective design methodologies and methods to enhance the management of resources and sustainable innovation by design seems to be complex and to suffer from the dominance of management systems and methods developed within the aegis of neoclassical economic models.

Objectives

The aim of this research project is to explore and highlight the relation between socio-economic context and design organisation, in order to improve the management of urban and architectural projects by design. The scope of this research is thus to implement a management tool to assist preliminary phases of design and definition of strategic design approach.

Methodology and Methods

This research focuses on the relationship between innovative architectural projects and their management. This work thus relies on case-study methodology and analyses a number of case studies of successful urban and architectural projects to statistically explore the recurring relations between design organisation and effects produced.

The methods utilised are as follows:

• Data collection (building component descriptions, procurement methods utilised and project output)
• Data analysis according to innovation management theory
• Statistical analysis of recurring relations between design decisions and socio-economic and environmental output
• Design Management Dynamic Tool implementation through an algorithm refined based on the newly acquired dataset
• Implementation of a database to refine the feeding of the Design Management Dynamic Tool
• Tests on possible relationship with BIM

Expected output

The significance of this research is its ability to provide a dynamic tool for the effective introduction of sustainable innovation through design, optimising environmental resources and maintaining the economic feasibility of a project. Moreover, its ability to envision the potential social, economic and environmental effects in the preliminary phase of projects might contribute to the creation of collaborative environments and resilient organisational business forms, as well as the enhancement of effective communication across multidisciplinary players and stakeholders, involved in the definition of vision for our future built environment. The application of the model might provide assessment of the role of the players involved in projects, socio-economic and environmental results, innovation levels and competences required to absorb innovation and reduce risk.

Publications

• Nigra, M., Bossink, B., (2019). Cooperative learning in sustainably innovative building projects: Insights from thirty worldwide sustainable building demonstration projects. Construction Management & Economics. (Under review).
• Nigra, M., Dimitrijevic, B., (2018). Is Radical Innovation critical to Sustainable Architecture? Lessons from three Scottish Contemporary Buildings. Architectural Engineering and Design Management. Vo. 14, Issue 4. Pp. 272 – 291.
• Nigra, M., Grosso, M. (2018). Progettare la Complessità in Architettura. Collana Architettura Tecnologica, n.226. Maggioli, ISBN 9788891628558
• Nigra, M. (2017). Complexity Theory as an Epistemological Approach to Sustainability Assessment Methods Definition. IN: Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED17), Vol. 5: Design for X, Design to X, Vancouver, Canada, 21.-25.08.2017, ISBN: 978-1-904670-93-3, ISSN: 2220-4342
• Nigra, M. (2017). Fifty Shades of Green; an empirical analysis of sustainable design approaches in fifty case studies of contemporary architecture. IN: Proceedings of the of 33rd PLEA International Conference, Vol. 1: Design to Thrive, Edinburgh, 2th-5th July 2017

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Arch•i – Architectural Intelligence

The city is now producing a brand-new quality and kind of information on itself, in the form of data that can be stored, organised and analysed. Current technical needs are format standardisation, information gathering, management and selection, data processing and visualisation. This is leading to unprecedented developments of tools. New networks of relationships between documents can be defined and rapidly redefined, according to continuously updating needs and contents. In this complex information topology, the physical form of architecture maintains a key role, on which even the most up-to-date processing can be founded.

Italy has 49 cultural sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Despite this, only 0.7% of Italian GDP is allocated to culture¹. Sites such as the Imperial Fora in Rome or Pompeii and Herculaneum host millions of visitors each year, but cannot provide appropriate information services on site and face management and maintenance problems. At the same time, due to low tourist flows, many small, isolated or less well-known historical and archaeological sites cannot afford surveillance and maintenance and are thus not accessible. The available resources need to be optimised in order to ensure the protection of cultural heritage and to enhance its value.

The research project entitled Arch•i – Architectural Intelligence concerns the development of digital technologies to enhance the accessibility and management of cultural sites and the exploration of the related digital information. It is thought that mobile computing technologies can overcome the limitations of traditional information tools and allow novel interactions with monuments and works of art. The project is currently employing artificial intelligence (AI) to make data networks and digital environments accessible from the physical space.

Deep learning per l’architettura

In recent years, the diffusion of large image datasets and unprecedented computational power has boosted the development of a class of AI algorithms referred to as deep learning (DL). Among DL methods, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have proven particularly effective in computer vision, finding applications in many disciplines. While AI is just beginning to interact with the built environment through mobile devices, heritage technologies have long been producing and exploring digital models and spatial archives. Hence, the digitalisation of cultural information offers structured and ready-to-use sources of knowledge that can be retrieved through the flexible features of AI. The interaction between DL and state-of-the-art information modelling is an opportunity to both exploit heritage databases and optimise new object recognition techniques. A specific approach to automated architecture recognition could change the way in which data on the urban environment is collected, processed and analysed, and could provide more effective ways to access data.

The Arch•i project has developed a mobile app that allows users to access data about buildings and works of art simply by pointing the camera at the object. The app is capable of connecting the real city to relevant, context-aware documents such as images, texts, maps and 3D models. It builds on original developments of CNN techniques aimed at recognising architectural features. The app is based on two main blocks of software: (1) an online, geographic-enabled database that makes it possible to upload different types of document and the related information or metadata; (2) the DL part, which is stored on the device and requires a very small amount of disk space.

The app offers an access point to a yet under-exploited network of digital information, not through a catalogue or a predefined route on a map, but just by framing the urban context through a mobile camera. A vast amount of multimedia information can be linked to the elements of a city, answering questions on how to make the newly available information easily and sustainably reachable.

I passi successivi

The Central Archaeological Area in Rome and the historical centre of Turin are the first test fields of the ‘AI guide’ developed. CNNs are, however, general models and can be trained to recognise a wide range of objects in different contexts. It is therefore planned to extend the project to other sites, covering different scales and time spans.

Further developments are also planned for the integration of the proposed AI technologies and semantic spatial databases, in order to: (1) make the system more scalable, to store online large amounts of data that can be retrieved when needed; (2) exploit the interoperability of the spatial information, i.e. connecting building information modelling (BIM) data to the environment explored through the app; (3) allow access to detailed information, i.e. performing DL recognition on the scale of building details, thus recognising monument parts or categories of constructive elements, decorations and materials.

Furthermore, we are bridging our first experiments with AI and other technologies:

• AR allows the interaction with 3D digital models and can superimpose precise spatial information layers on live images of the real environment.
• 5G cellular mobile communications will make large amounts of data immediately available, redefining location-based services and content access.
• IoT devices can enable access control and enhance on-site experience, providing cost-effective monitoring solutions which do not need the physical presence of supervising personnel.

The work carried out also points out possible connections between the virtual environment and the contemporary city. DL models could be trained to recognise building types or structural components, while the related information could integrate energy performance, structural behaviours and construction phases.

The underlying assumption of the research is that architecture has a key role in approaching technologically advanced tools. Form is a means to identify physical, observable and tangible facts and it can be used to produce shared models of the complex and multi-layered urban space. On this basis, our project intends to contribute to recognition, structuring and operational use of architectural form.

Notes

Fonte: Eurostat, Spesa totale delle amministrazioni pubbliche per “ricreazione, cultura e religione”, 2015. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/DDN-20170807-1 (consultato il 26 marzo 2019)

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Il collaudo delle tecnologie di comunicazione veicolare, lo studio dei modelli di mobilità urbana e la valutazione delle nuove politiche di traffico non possono prescindere dalla simulazione della mobilità dei veicoli. Come spesso accade, più grande è il set di dati, meglio è. Infatti, negli ultimi anni, molti progetti nel campo della mobilità o della comunicazione veicolare hanno cercato nuovi simulatori di traffico con aree di indagine estese, in grado di coprire possibilmente un’intera città e i suoi sobborghi.

In questo spirito, abbiamo modellato una simulazione del traffico urbano in un’area di 600 km² all’interno e intorno al Comune di Torino, sfruttando lo strumento SUMO. Questo progetto mira a riportare in dettaglio la metodologia che abbiamo seguito nella creazione di questo set di dati. I nostri risultati dimostrano che è possibile realizzare una modellizzazione completa di un’area così vasta a scapito di piccole semplificazioni, raggiungendo un ottimo livello di approssimazione.

Publications

• Marco Rapelli, Claudio Casetti and Giandomenico Gagliardi, “TuST: from raw data to vehicular traffic simulation in Turin”, 2019, IEEE/ACM DS-RT Conference, Conference best paper award.
• Marco Rapelli, Claudio Casetti and Giandomenico Gagliardi, “City-wide Vehicular Traffic Simulation from Raw Data”, 2020, IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing Journal, under review.

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