Lorenzo Renzullo

Research focuses on the history of architecture and architectural and technological design, particularly on how the design of a building and its components is influenced by the evolution of new factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the project. The research question aims to study the design of the “facade” in the dual relationship between the envelope and the skin using a “mock-up” capable of reconciling design and construction verification. The field of research concerns the legacy of Italian architectural culture in the second half of the 20th century and its reciprocal influences with French architectural culture in the ability to translate normative constraints into opportunities for experimentation using new conceptual and methodological tools. The research project is in line with current European trends and experiments in the field of new production technologies, which are capable of adapting over time to the future possibility of dismantling and reversibility. The aim of the research is to abstract critical and conceptual tools that can inform the project by re-establishing the link between technological progress and the pursuit of architectural quality in the design of façade envelopes. It is therefore possible to rely on innovative systems to encourage experimentation and enable the study of the role of prototyping in defining alternative strategies during the design, construction and occupation of buildings. The thesis gave rise to operational research at Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia, in-depth archival research, site visits and interviews with national and international experts.