ID:
CH008
Duration (hours):
60
CFU:
6
SSD:
FISICA TECNICA AMBIENTALE
Url:
BUILDING ENGINEERING/ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE Year: 2
Year:
2025
Course Catalogue:
Overview
Date/time interval
Primo Semestre (22/09/2025 - 21/12/2025)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
Students will acquire in-depth knowledge of the principles of thermodynamics applied to buildings, the use of the psychrometric chart, and the specific environmental requirements for the conservation of cultural heritage. They will understand the historical and technological evolution of HVAC systems and sector regulations.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to:
Analyze and design HVAC interventions compatible with historic and protected buildings.
Use the psychrometric chart to size and optimize thermohygrometric transformations.
Evaluate trade-offs between human comfort and conservation requirements.
Select appropriate HVAC systems considering architectural, regulatory, and conservation constraints.
Interpret environmental monitoring data and propose management strategies.
Making judgments: Students will develop critical skills in evaluating complex design solutions, balancing technical, regulatory, conservation, and economic aspects in contexts of high historical and cultural value.
Communication skills: Students will be able to effectively communicate design and technical choices to different stakeholders (conservators, architects, heritage authorities) using appropriate technical language and graphic/documentary supports.
Learning skills: Students will acquire continuous learning methods to independently update themselves on regulations, emerging technologies, and best practices in the field of cultural heritage conservation and climate control.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of:
Building physics (thermodynamics, heat transfer).
Mathematics (equations, graphs, interpolation).
A preliminary knowledge of historic architecture and restoration principles is recommended, although not mandatory.
Teaching Methods
The course includes:
Theoretical lectures for the presentation of fundamental principles, regulations, and HVAC technologies.
Practical exercises on the use of the psychrometric chart and HVAC system sizing.
Analysis of case studies on historic buildings, museums, and archives with critical discussion of the solutions adopted.
Laboratory activities: software simulations.
The course encourages active student interaction through discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and group presentations.
Assessment Methods
The assessment of learning takes place through:
Written exam with open-ended and multiple-choice theoretical questions on thermodynamic principles, regulations, and conservation strategies, as well as practical exercises on the psychrometric chart and HVAC systems.
Oral exam with discussion of the project work and in-depth examination of theoretical topics emerging from the written test.
Project (individual or group work)
The final grade is expressed out of thirty. A minimum score of 18/30 is required in each component to pass the exam.
Texts
ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Applications, Chapter 24: "Museums, Galleries, Archives, and Libraries"
UNI 10829:1999 - "Beni di interesse storico e artistico - Condizioni ambientali di conservazione" (Cultural heritage assets - Environmental conservation conditions)
EN 15757:2010 - "Conservation of Cultural Property - Specifications for temperature and relative humidity to limit climate-induced mechanical damage"
Camuffo, D. (2019). Microclimate for Cultural Heritage: Measurement, Risk Assessment, Conservation, Restoration, and Maintenance of Indoor and Outdoor Monuments. Elsevier
ICOM-CC & IIC (2014). Environmental Guidelines: IIC and ICOM-CC Declaration
Teaching materials provided by the instructor (slides, scientific articles, case studies)
Contents
The course addresses the design and management of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems for historic buildings and cultural heritage, balancing human comfort needs and preventive conservation.
Main topics:
Historical evolution of HVAC systems: from early Eastern heating and cooling systems to contemporary technologies.
Fundamentals of applied thermodynamics: moist air properties, thermohygrometric comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ).
Psychrometric chart: reading, interpretation and practical application for the analysis of thermohygrometric transformations.
Types of climate control systems: heating, cooling and mechanical ventilation systems (MVS) with comparative analysis of characteristics and differences.
Environmental requirements for the conservation of historic materials: thermohygrometric ranges, fluctuation control and degradation prevention strategies.
HVAC integration in protected buildings: low-impact approaches, reversible solutions and “invisible HVAC” technologies.
Limitations and constraints in HVAC refurbishment of historic buildings and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the course analyzes international standards and guidelines (UNI, ASHRAE, ISO, ICOM, EN) and examines case studies and practical examples of historic buildings and museums.
Course Language
English
More information
Attendance: Attendance is strongly recommended due to the applied nature of the course and to benefit from practical exercises.
Teaching materials: Available on the course e-learning platform (slides, articles, technical sheets, case studies).
Office hours: By appointment, to be arranged via email with the instructor.
Degrees
Degrees
BUILDING ENGINEERING
Master’s Degree
2 years
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People
People
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