From the 8th to the 12th of September, the UNITA BIP “Combined Structural and Energy Upgrade of Buildings in Rural Areas”, coordinated by Prof. Fausto Minelli, was held between Brescia and Vione (BS).
The course, which also included a mandatory virtual component, involved 40 students from 8 different European countries.
Organised by the University of Brescia (UNIBS), in collaboration with the Universidad de Zaragoza (UNIZAR) and the Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB), the programme focused on the enhancement and rehabilitation of historic buildings in mountain areas.
Over the five-day period, participants had the opportunity to explore – through workshops and case study analyses – the historical stratification of the alpine village of Vione, construction and strengthening techniques, the types and origins of materials, the state of conservation of the buildings, and the most commonly used structural systems.
The BIP also provided an important opportunity to explore energy retrofit solutions based on the use of geological and bio-based insulating materials, renewable energy sources such as solar power, and innovative technologies including heat pumps and polygeneration systems.
The next editions of the course will take place in Chambéry (USMB) and Zaragoza (UNIZAR), with the aim of continuing and strengthening the technical and cultural dialogue on the preservation and sustainable reuse of rural architectural heritage.
