Article

On an innovative approach for microclimate enhancement and retrofit of historic buildings and artworks preservation by means of innovative thin envelope materials

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Abstract

Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in building has become a key issue since the built environment is nowadays responsible for more than 30% of the total carbon emissions. While new building design and construction reached massive improvements toward net zero energy and high environmental performance standards, existing and historical buildings are still too much energy needy, with a relatively low indoor comfort conditions for both occupants and artworks preserved inside, especially within heritage buildings. Such high architectural value buildings correspond to almost one third of the Italian building stock and they typically need to be re-functionalized for hosting residential, office, or institutional uses, i.e. museums and exhibition areas. In this view, the present research aims at developing a replicable method for assessing and enhancing indoor comfort in historical buildings frequently characterized by too high relative humidity and thermal losses through the envelope. More in details, an innovative envelope material for indoor application, i.e. hygro-adsorbing plaster, has been tested in an ancient Italian castle and its effect has been assessed by means of coupled monitoring and calibrated dynamic simulation. The experimental campaign shows an increase of the Performance Index (PI) in terms of relative humidity acceptable range from 16.1 to 33.3% by applying the new thin plaster. Moreover, the results show that dedicated HVAC systems may support the action of passive strategies for preserving artworks and indoor comfort levels, but at the same time, such passive low-invasive strategies represent a mandatory first step toward energy efficiency, functional, and comfortable cultural heritage architectures.

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... Based on the literature review above presented and to the best of the authors' knowledge, it can be said that there are numerous interdisciplinary methodologies discussed in the literature that propose the integration of experimental analysis and multi-objective simulation. In most cases, such methodologies have been applied to specific historical buildings, such as museums [31,33,49], while the applications of interdisciplinary methodologies to churches are still very limited [26] and often only related to energy efficiency. ...
... Similarly to the duration of many of the works proposed in the literature [3,6,13,18,35,49], the total time span of the monitoring phase was 40 days, divided into 16 days for the Phase I and 24 days for the Phase II, in the period between September and November, 2017. The technical specifications of the measuring instruments employed during the experimental campaign are summarized in Table 3. ...
... They concluded that the best results are obtainable by considering monitored weather file rather than data provided from databases, and that the soil and slab interface temperature has a fundamental role. Pigliautile et al. [49] discussed an innovative methodology based on experimental monitoring and dynamic simulation to assess the effects obtainable through passive solutions on occupants' thermal comfort and artworks preservation. They considered the castle of Pieve del Vescovo located near Perugia (Italy) as case study and its simulation model, performed via DesignBuilder with EnergyPlus engine, has been iteratively calibrated by modifying the external wall packages and the internal thermal gains. ...
Preprint
Indoor microclimate and energy performance analyses of historic buildings require tailored methodologies, because of their complexities, e.g. presence of artworks, lack of documents or project data and employed structure and materials. Given such difficulties, there are a few interdisciplinary methodologies, capable of carrying out multi-objective analyses for this kind of buildings, and they are often based on in-situ monitoring that, however, may not be able to predict the effects deriving from different conceivable technologies and control strategies. In this work, an interdisciplinary methodology is employed for evaluating cultural heritage conservation conditions, occupants ‘thermal comfort and energy performance of a specific historic building category, such as churches, on the basis of experimental and numerical approach. The methodology was applied to the case study of an ancient Italian church, recently restored following the earthquake that hit L’Aquila in 2009. After the refurbishment of the church, the statistical analysis of temperature and relative humidity experimental data allowed to observe that the conservation conditions of artistic heritage just restored may be non-correct, due to remarkable thermo-hygrometric fluctuations of the indoor microclimate. Therefore, starting from the current condition of absence of HVAC system, calibrated dynamic simulation models of the church allowed to hypothesize different technological solutions able to control the indoor microclimate and to evaluate the effects on artworks preservation, thermal comfort, and energy performance. The results of the multi-scenario analysis showed that suitable conservation conditions (PIs > 90%) and thermal comfort can be obtained by employing a complex heating/cooling and humidification/dehumidification system which determines a significant increase in energy consumption.
... Based on the literature review above presented and to the best of the authors' knowledge, it can be said that there are numerous interdisciplinary methodologies discussed in the literature that propose the integration of experimental analysis and multi-objective simulation. In most cases, such methodologies have been applied to specific historical buildings, such as museums [31,33,49], while the applications of interdisciplinary methodologies to churches are still very limited [26] and often only related to energy efficiency. ...
... Similarly to the duration of many of the works proposed in the literature [3,6,13,18,35,49], the total time span of the monitoring phase was 40 days, divided into 16 days for the Phase I and 24 days for the Phase II, in the period between September and November, 2017. The technical specifications of the measuring instruments employed during the experimental campaign are summarized in Table 3. ...
... They concluded that the best results are obtainable by considering monitored weather file rather than data provided from databases, and that the soil and slab interface temperature has a fundamental role. Pigliautile et al. [49] discussed an innovative methodology based on experimental monitoring and dynamic simulation to assess the effects obtainable through passive solutions on occupants' thermal comfort and artworks preservation. They considered the castle of Pieve del Vescovo located near Perugia (Italy) as case study and its simulation model, performed via DesignBuilder with EnergyPlus engine, has been iteratively calibrated by modifying the external wall packages and the internal thermal gains. ...
Article
Indoor microclimate and energy performance analyses of historic buildings require tailored methodologies, because of their complexities, e.g. presence of artworks, lack of documents or project data and employed structure and materials. Given such difficulties, there are a few interdisciplinary methodologies, capable of carrying out multi-objective analyses for this kind of buildings, and they are often based on in situ monitoring that, however, may not be able to predict the effects deriving from different conceivable technologies and control strategies. In this work, an interdisciplinary methodology is employed for evaluating cultural heritage conservation conditions, occupants ‘thermal comfort and energy performance of a specific historic building category, such as churches, on the basis of experimental and numerical approach. The methodology was applied to the case study of an ancient Italian church, recently restored following the earthquake that hit L’Aquila in 2009. After the refurbishment of the church, the statistical analysis of temperature and relative humidity experimental data allowed to observe that the conservation conditions of artistic heritage just restored may be non-correct, due to remarkable thermo-hygrometric fluctuations of the indoor microclimate. Therefore, starting from the current condition of absence of HVAC system, calibrated dynamic simulation models of the church allowed to hypothesize different technological solutions able to control the indoor microclimate and to evaluate the effects on artworks preservation, thermal comfort, and energy performance. The results of the multi-scenario analysis showed that suitable conservation conditions (PIs > 90%) and thermal comfort can be obtained by employing a complex heating/cooling and humidification/dehumidification system which determines a significant increase in energy consumption.
... In this framework, passive solutions are often applied to historic buildings since they can be compatible with the original condition of the building. Pigliautile et al. [9] demonstrated that energy retrofitting envelope materials can also improve indoor microclimate for comfort and conservation of artworks. Yao et al. [10] showed how the use of passive measures applied to historic buildings can reduce the heating and cooling periods, although in some cases they must be integrated with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. ...
... T op = 11.29 + 1.04 • T rm R 2 = 0.75for RCP 8.5 (11) This means that the increase in indoor temperatures as a function of outdoor temperatures is greater than the adaptive capacity of the occupants. Clearly, the regressions of Eq. (9)(10)(11) are not to be considered as new adaptive equations, which would require the subjective response of the occupants, but serve to understand how the relationship between T rm and T op under future conditions relates to the adaptive capacity of the occupants. Fig. 9 illustrates the rising indoor temperatures during the year (solid line) and summer (dashed line) in the three future scenarios compared to the current condition. ...
... The social work article by Chapman and Boston (2007) examines the social implications of decarbonization in the New Zealand economy, outlining the likely economic and distributional impacts of related policies on public attitudes towards and behaviors concerning carbon emission reduction (Chapman and Boston, 2007). The archaeology work by Pigliautile et al. (2019) examines historical buildings to explore an innovative approach to microclimate enhancement using thin-envelope materials (Pigliautile et al., 2019). The cultural studies work by Pallesen (2016) examines the cultural and framing politics of pricing by examining the adoption of tariffs and wind power pricing in France during the decarbonization of the electricity sector, raising the issues of the social and governance dynamics of value attribution and negotiation (Pallesen, 2016). ...
... The social work article by Chapman and Boston (2007) examines the social implications of decarbonization in the New Zealand economy, outlining the likely economic and distributional impacts of related policies on public attitudes towards and behaviors concerning carbon emission reduction (Chapman and Boston, 2007). The archaeology work by Pigliautile et al. (2019) examines historical buildings to explore an innovative approach to microclimate enhancement using thin-envelope materials (Pigliautile et al., 2019). The cultural studies work by Pallesen (2016) examines the cultural and framing politics of pricing by examining the adoption of tariffs and wind power pricing in France during the decarbonization of the electricity sector, raising the issues of the social and governance dynamics of value attribution and negotiation (Pallesen, 2016). ...
Article
Full-text available
Carbon neutrality, or “net zero”, has become the impact assessment project of human impact on Earth, increasingly structured to examine the implications, for the environment and people, of proposed actions and consequences of inaction. International and local collaboration efforts have been made with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality or “net-zero” emissions; thus, policies and technological innovations have been developed. Such impact-oriented risk assessment and control efforts amount to carbon-neutral pathways. Although such pathways may diverge in terms of energy, resources, and cost, it is critical to summarize essential and promising preparatory work on related policies and technologies to inform both policy-makers and social scientists to take actions. Through a scientometric analysis and systematic review of the latest social science literature, the study identified the size, scope and exemplar work for each social science discipline on carbon neutrality, based on 907 articles collected in early 2021 from the Web of Science database. This study reveals a set of disciplines focusing on certain common and distinct aspects of carbon neutrality. By outlining the possibilities and application areas for future research and policy development for socio-technical transition towards a net-zero or post-carbon future, this study has contributed to the understanding of the global efforts to achieve a clearer and viable carbon-neutral pathway. In conclusion, as many aspects of the planet and humans have become datafied, digitized, and networked, carbon neutrality, as the ecological indicator that guide human production and consumption patterns, must take on a central role in guiding our conscious green digital transformation of many political, economic, social and psychological aspects of our societies according to the existing and emerging social science knowledge.
... Actions in the envelopes such as insulation on the inside (Kramer et al. 2015), the use of infrared reflective coatings (Becherini et al. 2018), render with high insulation (Cornaro et al. 2016), aerogel-based high insulating plaster (Zhou et al. 2018), the use of moisture absorbent coatings on the inside (Pigliautile et al. 2019), new materials technologies (Pisello et al. 2016) or the intervention on windows (Franco et al. 2015), are some of the possibilities for the rehabilitation of the envelope with the aim of improving the indoor conditions of historic buildings, reducing energy consumption and combining the comfort of users and the conservation of the artworks on exhibition. ...
... The art works exhibited in museums are very varied and the control of the interior microclimate is decisive for their conservation. In particular, air temperature (°C), relative humidity, RH (%), illumination level (lux), and air quality (in terms of pollutants concentration, ppm) are the main parameters that influence the conservation of collections (Pigliautile et al. 2019), being the most important to control their daily fluctuations. The monitoring of the indoor microclimate, which varies throughout the day as the building loads vary in space and time, is decisive both in buildings with and without HVAC (Corgnati et al. 2009). ...
Chapter
In Spain and other Mediterranean countries, some museums lack of cooling and ventilation systems. They usually are located in historical buildings with heritage protection requirements. This is particularly complex in a building with a use that has to attend to comfort conditions for visitors and workers, and to very specific and demanding indoor thermal and relative humidity fluctuations for the conservation of its artwork collection. So, current requirements for museums and the hardening of summer conditions and the heatwaves events related to Climate Change require to face refurbishment measures usually related with the building envelope and the implementation of HVAC systems that require energy. This chapter presents a case study of a museum in the north of Spain, that has monitored data of ten years (temperature and relative humidity), more detailed monitored data of 2019 summer with two very early heatwaves, and the analysis of different passive measures to implement attending to the characteristics of the building (with high thermal mass, without solar shading, and without ventilation and AC systems) in order to achieve suitable environmental conditions in a museum and with the lowest energy consumption, and “ready” for the hardening of summer conditions due to global warming
... The increasing use of microclimatic parameters for calibration and validation purposes in heritage BPS is mainly related to the availability of environmental data acquired through high-accuracy measurement devices [21,22], often already installed for several purposes such as risks assessment of building materials and objects [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38], and to the evaluation of building thermal performance [23][24][25][33][34][35][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54]. One more reason for using microclimatic parameters is the lack of energy consumption data, generally adopted in the model validation. ...
... A similar approach was used in works that validate virtual models through the MBE, MAE and RMSE. Among them, RMSE is the most used parameter: five works achieved a result lower than 1 � C and considered the model validated [11,17,39,40,56,78], while only two works achieved results between 1 � C and 2 � C [15,29] (see the Appendix). Roberti et al. [56] validated a BPS through T a and T s by minimizing the RMSE and showed the results of the validated model in a carpet plot as a function of the hour of the day and month (see Fig. 4). ...
Article
The proper simulation of the hygrothermal behaviour of historical buildings is a challenging task with several implications regarding the evaluation of indoor thermal comfort and the suitability of retrofit strategies that comply with the conservation of cultural heritage. An inaccurate simulation may lead to inadequate conclusions, which could result in inappropriate and dangerous actions for the preservation of the heritage buildings. Then calibration and validation of hygrothermal simulation models are essential steps to achieve more accurate and reliable results. Now, although some agencies have developed guidelines and methodologies to carry out the validation of building performance models, all of them are based on energy consumption only. However, since in some buildings the energy consumption data are not always available especially when no operating heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is installed, which is the case of many historical buildings, the microclimatic parameters are usually adopted in the validation process. In this case, neither protocols nor specific parameters have been officially recognised to perform the model validation. The present work reviewed the main approaches used by researchers for building performance model validation with special reference to historical buildings based on microclimatic parameters, highlighting the main advantages and drawbacks of the different methods reviewed. Finally, recommendations to properly carry out the model validation based on microclimatic parameters have been provided. The collected information may be useful to different subjects (e.g. designers, energy auditors, researchers, conservators, buildings’ owners and policy makers) and can drive suitable and reliable retrofit and maintenance interventions.
... Although they might not be as comfortable or energy efficient as new buildings initially, they hold great potential to avoid further energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions the reconstruction or construction of new buildings would cause (Alba-Rodr� ıguez et al., 2017;Dixit, 2017;Feng et al., 2020;Semprini et al., 2017), benefits that respond to the prominent and rising global agendas, such as the UN's 2030 Agenda (UN General Assembly Resolution, 2015) and the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC, 2015). However, the measures taken to restore functionality and habitability to these buildings need to be underpinned by sustainable principles so as to minimize the expenditures and emissions while respecting the buildings' cultural, historic and aesthetic values, which has already been identified as a key issue regarding the retrofit of the existing building stock (Pigliautile et al., 2019). ...
Article
Purpose-This paper aims to compare the possible environmental impacts of different rehabilitation solutions proposed to a case study of a Portuguese vernacular building, bearing in mind the need to search for less impactful practices in accordance with global agendas and, simultaneously, the importance of preserving heritage assets. Design/methodology/approach-The two proposed solutions differ from each other in the selection of materials, varying from the exclusive use of conventional contemporary materials to the use of locally sourced and natural-based materials, considering the Portuguese and local scenario. Results obtained from Life Cycle Assessment procedures are the basis of comparison, which were developed using a Building Information Model (BIM)-integrated analytical plugin. Findings-Producing Heritage Building Information Model (HBIM) models was essential to the analysis, and therefore is a vital part of the used methodology; nevertheless, the modelling of heritage buildings itself plays an important part in preserving heritage assets once it provides precise documenting and managing tools. The results depict variation in values for different indicators in both cases, whose interpretation might need further development to get to deeper conclusions. It has been found that the software tools are still not well adapted to analyse heritage or historic buildings, and therefore adaptations had to take place to overcome these limitations. Originality/value-The study distinguishes itself by involving the production of HBIM models and the use of BIM-integrated Life Cycle Assessment plugins as well as its analyses, to validate this approach.
... In this research, the target of the energy simulation is to detect the current energy performance [40] and assess the reduction of demand and energy consumption obtained by means of different refurbishment strategies of the thermal envelope. Various authors [23,[41][42][43] have carried out adjusted energy simulations on historic buildings based on the data obtained from the audit. ...
Article
Full-text available
The energy rehabilitation of listed buildings guaranteeing heritage values but allowing a use that contributes to their conservation, supposes a challenge with the need of a holistic approach. Buildings of the Modern Movement, many of which are registered as DOCOMOMO (DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites and neighbourhoods of the MOdern Movement), are a particular case since many of them are not yet listed or are under unclear requirements. This paper explores the inclusion of a cost-effective methodology as part of the decision-making in the energy rehabilitation of these DOCOMOMO buildings, applying it to the case study of an office building located in the north of Spain. Different scenarios were studied balancing cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency and rehabilitation requirements. In this case study, the analysis may allow policymakers to have supportive arguments to subsidize certain elements (as e.g., steel frames), or allow the use of alternative options with similar aesthetic characteristics, but at a much lower cost. This second option will constitute the unique cost-effective scenario, with energy savings of between 25.36 % and 38.8 %. The inclusion of a cost-effective methodology as part of the mechanics for decision-making in the energy refurbishment of DOCOMOMO buildings permits the optimisation of the intervention guaranteeing their use and the conservation of heritage values.
... The primary challenge lies in preserving the architectural integrity and cultural value of these structures while integrating contemporary features that meet current standards of accessibility, energy efficiency, and user comfort. This dual objective requires innovative solutions that can bridge the gap between historical preservation and modern demands, ensuring that the buildings remain functional and relevant in todayʹs context [7]. Such efforts contribute to Goal 11 by making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. ...
Preprint
Full-text available
This study explores the transformative potential of integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Generative Design methodologies in heritage conservation and building management. By utilizing BIM, detailed architectural, structural, and MEP models were created, facilitating precise design and effective stakeholder collaboration. Generative Design enabled the exploration of multiple design solutions, optimizing spatial layouts and structural integrity. The project also integrated automated management systems and IoT sensors to enhance real-time monitoring, energy efficiency, and user comfort through the development of a digital twin. Despite encountering challenges such as technical complexities and budget constraints, the project successfully preserved the cinema's historical essence while incorporating modern functionalities. The findings highlight the contributions of BIM and Generative Design to the AEC industry, emphasizing their role in improving design accuracy, operational efficiency, and sustainability. This research provides valuable insights for future projects in heritage conservation, offering a blueprint for balancing historical preservation with contemporary needs. The revitalization of the "Ex Cinema Santa Barbara" in Paternò exemplifies these advancements, demonstrating how these technologies can restore and modernize culturally significant historical buildings effectively.
... Cornaro, Puggioni, and Strollo (2016) suggested retrofit solutions for a complex historic building in Italy by using numerical tools coupled with data obtained through a short-term monitoring campaign. According to Pigliautile et al. (2019), existing and historical buildings are still too much energy needy, with a relatively low indoor comfort conditions for both occupants and artworks preserved inside, especially within heritage buildings. Such high architectural value buildings correspond to almost one third of the Italian building stock and they typically need to be re-functionalised for hosting residential, office, or institutional uses, i.e. museums and exhibition areas. ...
... Looking back, "ex-post" [46] helps future implementations both by re-assuring that targets were reached with qualitative and quantitative assessments and pointing out possible weak points. However, the number of projects in this study that included detailed information about the evaluation of the intervention is limited. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study presents an in-depth analysis of 69 case studies focusing on the energy retrofit of historic buildings, uncovering challenges, best practices, and lessons learned to balance energy efficiency improvements with heritage preservation. The findings highlight several challenges encountered during renovations, such as complex heritage evaluations, restrictions on alterations, coordination issues with authorities, technical limitations, higher investment costs, and knowledge gaps. On the other hand, identifying factors promoting renovation, including demonstrating energy savings while respecting heritage, early collaboration between planners and authorities, and quantifying investments, could incentivize owners and authorities. The limitations of a still-limited sample size, occasional incomplete data, and potential sample bias call for cautious interpretation of the presented analysis. Despite these, the study provides valuable insights into successful projects, emphasizing the need for scalability, knowledge transfer from innovative policies, and targeted policy-making for successful replication. The study concludes with a call for further development of the HiBERatlas (Historic Building Energy Retrofit atlas), an extensive resource for historic building renovation, expanding its database, collaborating with agencies, and tailoring guidance for stakeholders to foster energy retrofits in heritage buildings.
... Cornaro, Puggioni, and Strollo (2016) suggested retrofit solutions for a complex historic building in Italy by using numerical tools coupled with data obtained through a short term monitoring campaign. Pigliautile et al. (2019) discussed an innovative methodology based on experimental monitoring and dynamic simulation, in order to assess the impact of passive solutions on occupants' thermal comfort and artworks preservation. The case-study considered was the castle of Pieve del Vescovo, located near Perugia (Italy). ...
Technical Report
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The purpose of this document is to introduce the reader to the advantages of applying Building Performance Simulation (BPS) methodologies and tools on built heritage, in Section 2. BPS allows the study and optimisation of energy performance in an interrelated way, through the creation of a behavioural model of a given historical urban fabric, building or wall element. The purpose of simulations is not only to reveal the interactions between the building, occupants, HVAC systems and the outdoor climate, but also to facilitate the use of environmentally and energy-efficient design solutions, in order to acquire relatively rapid feedback on the performance implications of the design hypotheses. The document aims to provide important information from the literature about the current challenges regarding the employment of BPS in historic buildings, in order to allow the Project partners to better understand how the energy modelling tools can be used in the case of built heritage renovation and/or retrofit activities, in Section 3; the state- of-the-art in model calibration approaches, in Section 4, because, as models always represent a simplification of real cases, the reliability of predictions provided by simulation models requires a thorough calibration process. The document concludes in Section 5, with a brief description of the compromises and a list of points that need to be addressed when applying a simulation-based design approach to a historic building, including issues of material performance uncertainties, simplifications imposed to the modelling and simulation by software limitations, building material as well as occupant behaviour anomalies/unpredictability, and other points.
... Although simplifications can be introduced in many cases, due to the lack of sensibility of the most common simulation models to moisture-related properties of retrofit materials [14], the whole-building dynamic simulation integrating HAM (Heat, Air and Moisture) models is considered adequate to reproduce the heat and moisture exchanges between the historical envelope components and the indoor climate [15]. In general, to obtain accurate results in the simulation of heat and moisture transport across the walls, it is necessary to reliably know the stratigraphy and the properties of the constituent materials, which however are not fully known -particularly in the case of newly-developed materials. ...
Conference Paper
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Cement, being the most widely used building material, is the responsible for a large share of greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce the environmental impact of its production, natural fibres can be used as eco-friendly additives. Moreover, their potential use in traditional lime-based mortars makes them an ideal choice for green buildings as well as for the retrofit of historical buildings. An innovative cementitious composite reinforced with fibrillated cellulose (hereafter called «green concrete») was tested to assess its mechanical and physical properties. Samples were casted using Portland cement and natural hydraulic lime and varying the ratios among the constituents. Viscosity and setting time of the fresh pastes were determined with a viscosimeter and a Vicat apparatus, while their hydration was studied by thermal analysis. The influence of the fibres on the flexural strength of the final composite was determined through mechanical tests. The expected hygrothermal performance of the «green concrete» was explored through dynamic hygrothermal simulation to investigate its potential use as a retrofit material. A sensitivity analysis (SA), based on the hygrothermal properties of natural-based building materials similar to the «green concrete», was conducted to identify the parameters influencing more the simulation of annual internal temperature and moisture variations. The preliminary assessment of the mechanical properties of the «green concrete» showed that at higher percentages the cellulose fibres can negatively affect the workability/setting time of the fresh pastes and the flexural strength. The most promising samples were identified and will undergo further investigation. The SA results outlined that the «green concrete» might not be effective for thermal insulation, although it might be used as a moisture-buffering layer by adjusting the values of the free water saturation moisture content, the equilibrium moisture content at RH=80% and the dry vapour diffusion resistance factor of the final composite.
... In addition to the refurbishment issue, it is necessary to take into consideration the relationship between users and the building; it has been demonstrated by several studies that delegating to the user the responsibility for controlling the humidity of the environment through air changes via windows, does not guarantee a good result in terms of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Precisely in relation to the use of these buildings, it is worth remembering that the change in use that often characterizes them (structures once used as private homes today host museums or public offices) deserves adequate attention in relation to the alteration of the original internal microclimate [42,43]. Therefore, although natural ventilation systems would be the best to apply having a low impact in terms of compatibility, to achieve adequate levels of comfort and ensure adequate conservation of the structure (avoiding the formation of mold and pollutants), natural ventilation has been proven to be insufficient. ...
Article
Full-text available
Attaining a good level of internal comfort is possible by controlling various parameters. Among all, the thermo-hygrometric comfort and the indoor air quality are of fundamental importance. This research is developed with the aim of verifying the indoor air quality following the installation of a passive cooling device in a historic building located in the province of L’Aquila in the municipality of Poggio Picenze in climatic zone E. This research aims to verify the functioning of a ventilation duct installed between the hypogeal and the second level of the structure that was installed to obtain air recirculation by exploiting the inertial potential of the hypogeal room. The first phase of the research was aimed at thermo-hygrometric monitoring using sensors installed on-site and controlled remotely in order to verify the operation of the device. The second-phase object of this text was useful in investigating the acquired indoor air quality level.
... Hygro-adsorbing plaster was adopted as an 30 envelope material to enhance the microclimate in historic buildings. The acceptable RH range was improved from 16.1% to 33.3% [83]. ...
Article
The development and utilization of urban underground space have contributed to more excavation of ancient tombs in recent years. The microclimate in the burial environment is crucial for the sustainability of historical artifacts. In this paper, the variation in thermal and humid conditions during the burial time from the closure of a tomb to excavation was investigated by field testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. The selected object is the famous M1 tomb chamber of the mausoleum Zhang An-shi, which has a 2000-year history. It was found that the average air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) of the M1 tomb chamber before excavation were 12.7 °C and 93.0%, respectively. The results of the CFD simulation suggest that the burial time of an ancient tomb consists of a very short variable phase and a long stable phase. The very beginning phase may be as short as 0.3 h. The dramatic changes in temperature and RH were more than 10 °C and 20%, respectively. Consequently, dramatic changes in the thermal and humid environment will trigger the deterioration of historical artifacts. Current findings further suggest that the local annual average temperature is optimal for the conservation of underground artifacts excavated from the soil thermostatic layer. This study paves the way for characterizing the environment of an ancient tomb chamber, as well as museum design, energy savings that support cultural heritage protection and preventive conservation.
... A pesar de las dificultades que puedan surgir, como las que se comentaron anteriormente, es innegable la necesidad de realizar campañas de monitorización y reconocer las características del clima interior a las que se exponen las colecciones. Pigliautile et al. [12] proponen la incorporación de un material higroscópico en la cara interior de un edificio histórico a fines de incidir en las oscilaciones diarias de HR, y para ello realiza campañas de monitorización previas y posteriores a la intervención. Ferrarese et al. [13] analizan el clima interior de una sala de museo y compara la condición interior y exterior a vitrinas y propone un índice de evaluación del ambiente en función de la adecuación de la misma para la conservación de los bienes alojados. ...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
La temperatura y la humedad relativa pueden incidir en la conservación de los materiales orgánicos, como el papel, los libros y demás materiales que se encuentran en depósitos de bibliotecas. La vigilancia y el control de estas variables se recomienda para alertar sobre valores perjudiciales, pero también puede utilizarse para organizar las colecciones según su fragilidad en función de las zonas más adecuadas para su conservación. En este trabajo se presenta una evaluación de temperatura y humedad relativa realizada en un depósito de la Biblioteca de la Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina, con el objetivo de verificar el entorno climático de la colección y zonificar los sectores más apropiados según la disposición de la sala en el edificio que la contiene. Se realiza una campaña de monitorización anual en cinco sectores del depósito naturalmente ventilado contrastando con datos de referencia exterior provistos por la estación meteorológica del Observatorio UNLP. Los resultados muestran que las condiciones climáticas son satisfactorias, y el estudio proporciona la delimitación de un rango de admisibilidad acorde a las oscilaciones climáticas acontecidas, y una evaluación numérica de cada punto monitorizado. Las estanterías colocadas en el centro de la sala y sobre la cara noeste muestran mejor desempeño respecto de aquellas ubicadas hacia el cerramiento sudoeste del edificio.
... With the fast progress of near zero energy buildings implementations (Hamburg et al., 2020;Lidberg et al., 2019), the energy need associated to space heating and cooling is progressively decreasing (López-Ochoa et al., 2019;Ma et al., 2020), thanks to both passive and active solutions (Rosso et al., 2014) and renewables integration (Cabeza et al., 2018; J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f Nazari, 2021). Therefore, hot water production requires an important energy demand factor in mild climates and in high performance new constructions and retrofits (Pigliautile et al., 2019). ...
Article
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In the present study, the modified evacuated tube solar collector (METSC) with a bypass pipe utilizing copper oxide/distilled water (Cu2O/DW) nanofluid is experimented. Then, the performance of METSC was predicted through Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) techniques. The input variables were different volumes of the storage tank from 5 to 8 l, various diameters of the bypass pipe from 6 to 10 mm, and various volumetric concentration of the nanofluid from 0 to 0.04. Also, the output variables were the temperature difference of fluid in one-hour period and the energetic efficiency of METSC. The results demonstrated that the METSC performance was mostly impacted by the tank volume alteration. Moreover, the optimum bypass tube diameter value was obtained, and it was denoted that using the Cu2O/DW nanofluid enhances the daily energy efficiency of METSC up to 4%. Furthermore, it was shown that both MLP and RBF techniques are two reliable algorithms to predict the thermal characteristics of an METSC. The maximum amounts of mean relative percentage error for MLP and RBF algorithms were reported as 0.576 and 0.907, respectively. Hence, two mathematical models were reported for formulating the output variables in terms of the input variables using the MLP technique.
... On the contrary existing and historical buildings still have very high energy consumption. The problem of relatively low indoor comfort conditions for occupants and in some cases with unacceptable indoor environmental conditions for the conservation of their artworks were stressed by Pigliautile et al. (2019). According to Irati et al. (2016), around 110 million of the existing building require deep renovation. ...
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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) of historical buildings dedicated to public use as churches, theatres and ancient palaces employed as a museum, implies a number of critical issues, as most historic buildings were not designed to be heated, cooled and ventilated. In this context, the present work represents the assessment of the energy and economic impact of different strategies for the musealization of the armoury hall of Palazzo Ducale, in Mantua. The aim of the study is to provide a preliminary technical-economic definition of the HVAC system which fit the climate characteristics, the building use profile, guaranteeing reversibility of the system and comfort conditions for users, ensuring at the same time a low energy consumption and a high speed of response to changes in thermal load. An analysis of the local climatic parameters together with the simulated building energy demand, allowed the definition of the main requirements and performance for the preliminary sizing of the HVAC system. Different configurations are proposed, according to best available technologies, including novel technologies relying on renewable energy sources. A comparative analysis of the different configurations with respect to the criteria of ease of maintenance, speed of response of the system, noise, size and adjustment of the system, is presented in order to identify the advantages and any disadvantages of the proposed HVAC systems.
... The EU has introduced legislation to boost energy performance in buildings: the Energy performance of buildings directive 2010/31/EU (EPBD), the Energy efficiency directive 2012/27/EU [6,7], and most recently, the revised Energy performance of buildings directive 2018/844/EU, which introduces new elements to modernise the buildings sector in light of technological advancements, and measures to accelerate and encourage building renovation [7]. Amongst existing buildings, historical ones have the greatest potential in terms of improving environmental performance and consequently best practice methodologies for their restoration and requalification have been the focus of a lot of international research [3,[8][9][10][11]. ...
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Energy loss has not been addressed effectively by policies introduced to encourage the preservation and enhancement of historical structures. Material and other constraints, together with safety standard improvements, do not always guarantee adequate levels of environmental performance. An optimization of retrofit measures to align with new uses, new standards of comfort, and energy saving are needed, as are studies based on new best practices for the enhancement of architectural heritage. This paper presents a method that uses dynamic models tared on non-destructive surveys, and based on compatible energy and structural interventions derived from preliminary analyses integrated into special design tools. Energy simulations were carried out using Design Builder (6.1.5.002, Designbuilder Software Ltd, Stroud, UK) software. The case study is a former hospital, S. Salvatore, in L’Aquila, an architecturally important building, severely damaged by an earthquake in 2009. The methodology presented in this research includes in-depth investigations coherently systematized into a multi-scenario output using simulation software. The results guarantee a high level of compatibility with restoration and seismic guidelines, and new building environmental performance requirements.
... Additionally, in the case of both indoor and outdoor deterioration risks, the analysis is aimed at both preserving cultural heritage value of the building, e.g. museums, but also at guaranteeing visitors' environmental comfort conditions [17,18]. Therefore, the analysis and diagnosis of the deterioration process of historical constructions is a complex process requiring multiphysical analysis methods and compliance with rules and regulations [19,20] on conservation of architectural heritage and visitors'-occupants' comfort and safety conditions [21,22]. ...
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Resilience of new and existing buildings to climate change is a key research issue. Climate change-related phenomena can considerably affect buildings mechanical and thermal-energy response by contributing to materials degradation and structural safety. Such an impact is even further exacerbated in historical constructions, more vulnerable to such events due to their ancient structure if compared to recent designs. The purpose of this paper is to propose an innovative, integrated, multidisciplinary methodology for assessing construction materials’ degradation in historic masonry buildings and its potential future evolution, providing a risk mapping accounting for interactions between climate change effects and structural damage. Such a replicable approach consists in (i) preliminary site inspections, (ii) damage and degradation surveys, (iii) development and calibration of numerical models predicting structural-thermal response and (iv) prediction of materials degradation accounting for future climate conditions and potential worsening of structural damage. The final output of the procedure is a hierarchical mapping of regions with different degradation severities, by identifying those where a specific type of degradation or damage insists but are likely stable and those where they are expected to get worse due to changes in future climate conditions or to a negative interaction between degradation and damage. The presented approach is applied to an iconic Italian monumental building, the Consoli Palace in Gubbio, where future climate scenarios up to 2080 are simulated according to the IPCC climate change predictions. Results highlight that thermal-energy and structural aspects need to be jointly considered in the preservation of surface materials of historic buildings exposed to climate change severity.
... Consequently, comfort is defined as the relationship between the individual and his environment and as such, needs an interdisciplinary approach (Nicol and Humphreys 2002). Moreover, its concept has evolved over the passage of time, influencing architectural design (Pigliautile et al. 2018). During the Antiquity and the Middle Ages, comfort was related to space. ...
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This article focuses on the assessment of microclimatic conditions in the Ottoman residential buildings in the old city of Algiers. It aims to identify the nature of architectural transformations and to analyse their impact on hygrothermal comfort and the indoor microclimate so as to suggest ways to improve the current level of comfort within the traditional houses. The object of this article is to identify the nature of this transformation process, to find out, not only what triggers it but what fuels it, and to analyse its impact on the environment, or more specifically, on the hygrothermal comfort, within the building. It entails, primarily, an analysis of the colonial and post-colonial architectural transformations, followed by a verification of all the components of hygrothermal comfort through numerical simulation and modelling. The aim is to correct the interior comfort of the current houses in the Casbah. The results obtained will clarify the nature of these colonial and post-colonial changes, which were carried out to satisfy the needs of the inhabitants, and lead to an evaluation of environmental quality, assessed through the parameters that influence the indoor microclimate of houses in Algeria. (Limited free access and eprints available at https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/DYBGBRJIRPI3FXNWNAHZ/full?target=10.1080/15583058.2019.1606362)
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Whole-building dynamic simulation has been increasingly adopted as a tool to non-invasively investigate possible strategies to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and conservation of historical buildings. Several critical assumptions are needed to cope with insufficient input data and limitations in simulation models, therefore the modelling approaches implemented by researchers are inhomogeneous and customised for each case study. A review of the literature was conducted to collect common patterns and replicable solutions, based on the case studies reported in scientific journals published between 2011 and 2022. The discussion covers all the key stages in the simulation process, from information gathering to the analysis of the target outcomes, highlighting current practices and open issues. The resulting informative panorama and technical discussion are intended to assist scholars and specialists in approaching the dynamic simulation of historical buildings as well as stimulating a debate toward standardisation and consolidation of a robust scientific community in the field.
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The need to achieve energy efficiency standards in new and existing buildings has triggered both research and design practice aimed at reducing their carbon footprint and improving their indoor comfort and functionality conditions. In this view, a dedicated scientific effort has to be spent while dealing with historical architectures needing to preserve their key testimonial knowledge into the society. Therefore, tailored retrofit strategies have been investigated and implemented without compromising their architectural value, especially when new uses are foreseen in those buildings. This review classifies different examples of the use of energy efficiency approaches and the integration of renewable energies in historical buildings, including solar and geothermal energy, and the use of heat pumps and other high-efficiency heating ventilation and air conditioning systems.
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The retrofitting works in old buildings require appropriate knowledge of the vernacular techniques. Previous researches have identified retrofitting works as more intrusive and using more unnecessary demolition materials than real needs. This study constitutes a new framework that focuses on the project management success of old building retrofitting in historical centres by developing a methodological system for this purpose. It uses a construction sector system approach, reviews legal requirements, framework specifications, recommendation practices and sustainable measures adapted to old building projects. It presents 50 parameters adapted to these works’ specificities that could be used by construction market stakeholders. The research uses a case study methodology divided in two parts. The first one involves the review of building retrofitting projects in historical centres, complemented by a questionnaire in the second part. The results of the projects review have shown little concern with the underlying sustainability aspects of retrofitting works in all project designs analysed. However, the questionnaire results have revealed a high interest and applicability of all parameters omitted in the project designs data. The study describes a useful management system in a toolkit format which might contribute to reduce uncertainty in the management of retrofitting projects in historical centres.
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Identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks of improper temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) and their degrading effects on objects is a major issue for museum researchers. Methods that quantify deteriorating characteristics of temperature and RH provide useful information and lead to effective preventive solutions. Time-weighted preservation index (TWPI) is a measure that estimates permanence of the organic materials based on a set of T and RH data for a specific period. In this research, we have used TWPI to assess chemical deteriorations of a Buyid silk stored in a museum storage. Furthermore, with the intention to examine effects of parameter fluctuations, a sensitivity analysis is applied to investigate permanence of the object in diverse sets of temperature and RH. Results of this research show that activation energy of the aforementioned Buyid silk is approximately 96.03 KJ/Mol and its permanence is converging to a determined amount that can be interpreted as its remainder useful life. Considering the climate of the textile storage, sensitivity analysis shows that lowering the average temperature to the standard range would result in a remarkable increase on the object’s permanence.
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Identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks of improper temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) and their degrading effects on objects is a major issue for museum researchers. Methods that quantify deteriorating characteristics of temperature and RH provide useful information and lead to effective preventive solutions. Time-Weighted Preservation Index (TWPI) is a measure that estimates permanence of the organic materials based on a set of T and RH data for a specific period. In this research, we have used TWPI to assess chemical deteriorations of a Buyid silk stored in a museum storage. Furthermore, with the intention to examine effects of parameter fluctuations, a sensitivity analysis is applied to investigate permanence of the object in diverse sets of temperature and RH. Results of this research show that activation energy of the aforementioned Buyid silk is approximately 96.03 kJ/mol and its permanence is converging to a determined amount that can be interpreted as its remainder useful life. Considering the climate of the textile storage, sensitivity analysis shows that lowering the average temperature to the standard range would result in a remarkable increase on the object's permanence.
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The city centre of Cahors (southwest of France) is recognized as a historical heritage site and, like other city centres in Europe, it faces the complex challenge of the thermal retrofitting of old dwellings. This complexity is partly explained by the relative incompatibility of the French energy performance certificate with the retrofitting of old buildings, and by the frequent conflicts between heritage conservation policies and energy efficiency improvements. Today, the level of deterioration and the high vacancy rate of the dwellings, combined with the fuel poverty of their occupants has created an urgent need for an energy retrofit. In order to respond to this set of problems, the city council of Cahors has initiated the “Living Lab” approach, an original idea. The methodology, participants, objectives and obstacles of which are presented in this paper. Living Labs have emerged as a new research concept in which users, traditionally considered as observed subjects and end clients, become co-creators of the innovation process. As opposed to classical approaches, which may fail due to the contradictions among political, ecological, socioeconomic and technological interests, the user centred approach allows the emergence of a sustainable answer in a complex eco-system in a real life context. The first result of this study was the success associated with involving many participants – craftsmen, students, end-users, local authorities, material producers – which enabled an efficient and acceptable solution to be found for refurbishment. Another issue was the improvement of both energy efficiency and hydrothermal indoor comfort for the end-users. Longer term results will be the reduction of fuel poverty for occupants, and a city centre that is alive and enjoyable to live in again.
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Environmental monitoring is one of the main diagnostic tools considered for appropriate strategies aimed at preserving cultural heritage. However, monitoring systems are only apparently tools easy to use and manage; actually, they hide several drawbacks including, for example, high purchase costs as well as significant financial commitment related to the management and the data processing. This implies that the use of technologies to monitor cultural heritage is usually limited to high relevance monuments or sites having marked historical-cultural value. In order to enhance the use and the spreading of technologies for the microclimate monitoring, a research activity within PRO_CULT (Advanced Methodological approaches and technologies for Protection and Security of Cultural Heritage) and Smart Basilicata projects was performed. The projects’ aim was to test low cost technologies to monitor and manage cultural heritage trying to significantly reduce the acquisition and maintenance costs so as to facilitate wider use of the monitoring systems to safeguard “minor” heritage. Starting from this point of view, an equipment prototype to monitor the indoor microclimate environment of confined environment was planned, taking into account the low cost (LC) approach as the basic assumption. In order to evaluate the LC performance, the system was tested in relationship with the decay problems affecting the frescoes of the crypt of St. Francesco d’Assisi in Irsina (Basilicata, Southern Italy) and the survey data were compared with those recorded by a standard commercial system (CS). All this in mind, the article discusses the comparative analysis of the two microclimate monitoring systems in relationship with the decay problems of frescoes hosted in the crypt of St. Francesco d’Assisi. The system comparison shows a quite complete matching of the thermo-hygrometric values. Furthermore, the survey puts into evidence as the microclimate conditions in the crypt are not suitable for the conservation of the frescoes. The studies based on the microclimate analyses together with other in situ surveys allowed to propose possible technical solutions to mitigate the decay risk related to the artistic heritage.
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The changes in present world oblige the scientific community working on Cultural Heritage to face every day more urgent challenges of "sustainability". This concept refers to a very broad horizon, touching various spheres: cultural, economic, social, environmental, before the purely technical and energetic ones; the terms deal, in fact, with a sustainable process of conservation, renovation, reuse and management of historical architecture, where the assessment methods could play a key role, even in the early stage process. The assessment of the environmental sustainability of historical buildings may help to recognize potential ways of enhancement. This is the main content of the article, showing results of a multi-disciplinary research on a representative case study, the huge historical complex of the Albergo dei Poveri of Genoa (XVII-XIX Century), which will be completely restored and reused as a university campus. To highlight the increasing value of a smart renovation, the sustainability of the energy solutions has been analysed verifying how a good rating can be obtained, within the early design process, in the energy performance sectors. The outcomes allow to show that better results can be reached in the environmental sustainability certification by means of added actions not strictly needed, but allowed. A proposal of a methodological approach to the sustainability evaluation for historic building renovation is the main result of the investigation. A relevant step of the assessment is represented by the comparison of the obtained scores with calculated reference scores that do not correspond to the absolute maximum values. This approach helps to individuate the fields in which higher global scores can be reached by planning smart renovation actions. The results allow also to highlight some aspects of the procedure application that can be improved for a more appropriate use of sustainability rating systems for this particular kind of heritage.
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In recent years, the study of the indoor microclimate has assumed increasing importance, both in relation to the health of people living in confined environments for a considerable part of their time, both for the problems associated with the conservation of works of art and cultural heritage housed in museums, galleries and libraries. In this paper, we present the results of a measurement campaign carried out in two period of the year, which can be considered “extreme” from the meteo-climatic point of view, in the Classense Library located in the city of Ravenna (Italy). This is a famous Italian historical library that houses many books of great value. The campaigns took place one in the summer period (from July 22nd to August 6th 2014) and another one in winter (from 15th December to 30th December 2014). During these measurements campaigns, we have characterized different and heterogeneous indoor environments. The internal pollutants concentrations and thermo-hygrometric data have been compared with the external ones, obtained from nearby measuring points. In this way, we have been able to determine the Indoor/Outdoor ratio (I/O ratio) of the pollutants concentrations. From these data and from the estimated air exchange rate, the pollutants deposition velocities have been calculated, too. The building has no air conditioning systems and our experimental data show that it is characterized by a relatively low rate of air exchange and a high thermal inertia. We have also compared the analysed microclimatic data with the specific values recommended by different norms and standards, in order to verify the conditions of preservation of the precious texts. Finally, we have applied a mathematical model to study the indoor pollutants concentrations, in order to confirm that the correlations between the outdoor and the indoor pollutants levels can be explained in terms of the building characteristics. The results of the model application fit well the experimental data and the consequent theoretical estimates made in this work; in fact, they are consistent with very low values of air exchange ratio of the building. These results can be used to define a specific “Performance Index” (PI) of the building, expressed as the percentage of time in which the microclimatic parameters of the library (i.e. the thermo-hygrometric values) do not match the recommended values. Furthermore, they can also provide a first step, based on experimental data, for the development, in close collaboration with the conservation scientists, of a methodology for risk assessment, specifically to be used for cultural heritage housed in museums, galleries and archives.
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The correct maintenance of artworks of historical and artistic value requires a wide and detailed analysis of all the information relevant for preserving them, such as identification of the main deterioration factors, knowledge of the climatic history of the object, set-up of measuring methods and statistics of the guide parameters, and definition of a set of recommended environmental aspects to be controlled within a stable climate condition linked to the particular kind of object or its surface. In Italy, the basic laws UNI 10829 and UNI 10969 impose a reference methodology for the in-field measurement and data analysis. This paper reports the first results of a measuring campaign, carried out according to the indications of the aforesaid standards, aimed at the investigation of the environmental conditions of the wooden ceilings in two rooms of “Palazzo Steri”, an ancient building in the city of Palermo.
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Maintaining the microclimatic parameters at the desired value is essential for artefacts preservation. In order to control the status of the microclimatic parameters, a continuous monitoring of the indoor environmental provides conservators, curators, restorers, and lenders with an exact knowledge of the microclimatic conditions under which the works of art are kept. Moreover, the monitoring results give important information in order to make adequate changes to the control strategy of microclimatic parameters. From this point of view, monitoring is an essential tool to develop an actual preventive control programme aimed at maintaining the optimal microclimatic conditions for preservation. As a consequence, long-term monitoring has to be applied to prevent deterioration of works of art. The widespread opinion that a correct approach to the topic of microclimate control for artefacts preservation is not only and necessarily to provide buildings with sophisticated environmental control systems, but mainly to investigate the actual environmental dynamics and, before any structural intervention, to define the compatibility between the climate control potentials and the preservation requirements, has become more and more firm among the experts. Monitoring also allows to verify the capacity of the “building and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)” system to maintain the desired thermo-hygrometric values within the operating conditions. To this aim, the Italian Standard UNI 10829 (1999) defining monitoring, elaboration and analysis of the microclimatic data as supporting actions for artefacts preservation, led to the need of a long-term monitoring and of a statistical approach to the data management. The approach proposed by the Italian Standard has been recently adopted by a European Standard (EN 15251, 2007). In accordance with the Standards mentioned above, in this paper an operational procedure to assess the thermo-hygrometric quality in museums is firstly synthetically presented and than applied to a case study. In particular, the procedure is developed in order to define the thermo-hygrometric quality level of the exhibition areas in the large museum complex of “Santa Maria della Scala” in Siena (Italy) during the international temporary exhibition “Duccio. La nascita della pittura senese” (“Duccio. The birth of Sienese Painting”).
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The microclimatic analysis of the Petrarca's tomb in Arquà Petrarca, Padua (Italy) was performed to assess the suitability of a closed environment located outdoors respect to the conservation requirements of heritage materials. Results showed that the thermo-hygrometric conditions inside the tomb were not suitable for the conservation of organic materials, like bones and wood. The orientation (north or south) was the main responsible for the different damage features of the two sides of the wooden case housing the human remains inside the tomb. Technical solutions were finally implemented to improve the conservation conditions, thus avoiding further damage.
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Thermal indoor microclimate conditions in museum buildings refer to two important requirements: the preservation of works of art and the comfort of visitors to these buildings and/or those working inside them. Unfortunately, different works of art have different internal parameters which render the management and control of the indoor thermal microclimate difficult. In this work the values proposed by various standards for the thermal environment of museum buildings have been revised. Moreover, the indoor microclimatic conditions relating to people's comfort have been described, with the aim of singling out possible common ranges for these parameters. With this aim, a useful simultaneousness index has also been introduced. Finally, the proposed approach has been applied to an old Italian building for purposes of clarification.
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This paper addresses an important problem in the evaluation of the thermal comfort of people living or working in the sort of confined spaces typical of current architecture. In the details, a new algorithm is proposed for the evaluation of the angle factors of people within rooms characterized by complex shapes, where the envelope components are not always mutually orthogonal. The algorithm is based on field data obtained by means of an experimental photographic apparatus which allows measurements of projected area factors of seated or standing people in such complex confined environments.
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The aim of this work is to analyse the evolution of the concept of cultural heritage in West European states. In the last decades of the 20th century, the term “heritage” was characterised by expansion and semantic transfer, resulting in a generalisation of the use of this word, frequently used in the place of another, such as, monument and cultural property. However, all these terms are not able to cover the same semantic field. Starting by the reflection on the semantic evolution of the notion of cultural heritage in France, we approach to the international definition of heritage given by the directives, charters and international resolutions in order to define a global outline of the meaning of heritage that is not just limited to a particular national dimension. From a purely normative approach, one went to a less restrictive approach, one based on the capacity of the object to arouse certain values that led the society in question to consider it as heritage and therefore, to a further step in which heritage is no longer defined on the basis of its material aspect. This development has also made it possible to recognise intangible cultural heritage, which was ignored for a long time, as heritage to be protected and safeguarded.
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During the last decade, the environmental conditions of the museum exhibition facilities and storage areas have been shown to be the most crucial factor, concerning the preservation of collections and artifacts. The pollution (chemicals and noise), the humidity, the temperature and the lighting can possibly deteriorate or even destroy the material cultural goods that are kept, protected and displayed in museum collections. Therefore, the aim of the present report is to define the threats that museum collections may suffer under inappropriate environmental conditions where they are housed. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6V23-49P274Y-1-G&_cdi=5691&_user=632480&_pii=S0360132303001136&_orig=search&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2003&_sk=999619987&view=c&wchp=dGLbVlz-zSkWA&_valck=1&md5=f87304ce2038e730e50e0e298362df1d&ie=/sdarticle.pdf
Article
Why are we interested in history at all? Why do we feel the need to distinguish between past and present? In this book, the author argues that the past originates from an experience of rupture separating past and present. Think of the radical rupture with Europe's past that was effected by the French and the Industrial Revolutions. Sublime Historical Experience investigates how the notion of sublime historical experience complicates and challenges existing conceptions of language, truth, and knowledge. These experiences of rupture are paradoxical since they involve both the separation of past and present and, at the same time, the effort to overcome this separation in terms of historical knowledge. The experience unites feelings of loss/pain with those of love/satisfaction, and thus is in agreement with how sublime experience is ordinarily defined. The experience is also precognitive since it precedes (the possibility of) historical knowledge. As such it is a challenge to traditional conceptions of the relationship between experience and truth or language. It compels us to disconnect the notions of experience and truth.
Screening emission analysis of construction materials and evaluation of airborne pollutants in newly constructed display cases
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Assets of historical and artistic interest-Environmental Storage-Measurement and analysis, Ente nazionale italiano di unificazione
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Ergonomics of the thermal environmentinstruments for measuring physical quantities, International Standardization Organization
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UNI EN ISO 7730, Ergonomics of the thermal environment-analytical determination and interpretation of thermal comfort using calculation of the PMV and PPD indices and local thermal comfort criteria, Milan, 2006.
Screening emission analysis of construction materials and evaluation of airborne pollutants in newly constructed display cases
  • Schieweck