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A project of vision and regeneration. The novel CRIF21 business district by Politecnica

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The novel Bologna business district of global company CRIF is an emblem of the changing of the urban fabric and of a precise foresightedness towards the state of the environment. The Italian design firm behind the CRIF21 project, Politecnica, has always been committed to building and sustainability challenges, just as this. The new building recently inaugurated sits on an abandoned land, previously occupied by an edifice for productive use. The approach adopted by Politecnica was that of a deep analysis and research into the undeveloped potential of the site and its natural resources, in order to promote the human well-being of the workers. The investigation not only concerned the land used for the new construction, but also the surrounding areas, all characterized by a dense occupation, and the building materials of the existing building, so that the unpolluted ones could be destined for recovery.

CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica <br /> Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali
CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica
Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali
CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica <br /> Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali
CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica
Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali

The foresight that has been mentioned is found in particular in the on-site reuse of the 90% of the waste generated by demolition. The remaining part of the materials necessary for the construction of the building saw the involvement of specialized professionals, who selected materials with high environmental performance or recycled, thus supporting the circular economy within the construction chain.

The focus of the project was in particular on some key points, on the double track of well-being and environmental respect: thermo-hygrometric and acoustic internal comfort; reduction of the impacts generated by construction activities; use of environmentally friendly materials; reduction of energy consumption; use of a Building Automation system for the management and optimization of building performance; saving of drinking water thanks to the reuse of waste water and reduction of the carbon footprint.

The chief objective of reducing the consumption of virgin soils through the reuse of an abandoned area and its redevelopment has guided the choices of both the client and Politecnica. The tool through which it was possible to verify the achievement of this primary objective and of all the aforementioned points is the Platinum level LEED® certification. Thanks to an extensive integrated design effort, it was possible to create a harmonious building at every level of design, construction and management.  

CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica <br /> Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali
CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica
Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali
CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica <br /> Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali
CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica
Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali

As for the specifics of the project, it is structured in a sequence of additions and subtractions of volumes that originate from the dynamic lines of the ground. The external fronts have been arranged with eurythmy and respect to the needs of the internal life, resulting in a building optimized in height and balanced in the architectural form. These generative dynamics, as well as the functional outcomes of the harmonic composition and the language of the external fronts, punctuated on the movement of the sun, are evident from the entrance hall, overlooked by most of the social areas. The external shell that covers the structure is characterized by high performance, transparency and an articulated and dynamic expression on the outside. Making the most of the potential of natural light sources and thanks to a refined system of dimerization, it allows a considerable reduction in energy consumption. The dimerization system in fact regulates the luminous intensity coming from the illuminated bodies according to the intensity of the external light.

CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica <br /> Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali
CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica
Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali
CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica <br /> Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali
CRIF21, Bologna, Italy, Politecnica
Image copyright: @Daniele Domenicali

Fundamental in the achievement of the objective of using energy from 100% renewable sources gave been the electric multipurpose heat pumps. In fact, the latter manage to produce hot and chilled water at the same time, recovering in the middle seasons the heat extracted from the water for the production of refrigerated water in order to warm the water for heating. The roof of the building also houses a photovoltaic pergola for the on-site production of electricity from renewable sources. This has allowed the maximization of the exposure surfaces of the panels and the reduction of the visual impact of the roof systems.

For the internal air conditioning were used metal radiant panels, which allow design freedom and a mode of heat exchange of static, and therefore silent, type. This air conditioning mode also integrates perfectly with the heat pump generation. To complement the radiant system, there are fan coils recessed into the floor in order to quickly reach the desired temperature in all areas and to manage the summer peaks. The only exception regards specific areas, such as the auditorium and the CDA room, for which a full-air system was chosen.

In terms of working comfort, the key word here was dynamism. In order to overcome the spatial concept of the static working environment, an articulated, flexible and dynamic environment has been created. The design of workspaces has followed a specific criterion of adaptability to the needs of people and the possibility of their temporal evolution. The modular and flexible logic with which the spaces have been organized also promotes the continuous relationship between people and a mutual exchange of knowledge.

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