ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 706

tlement able to create a balance with the heterogeneous range of surrounding buildings, and
foresaw a series of buildings exclusively for residential use and the different relevant facilities,
which, laid out along a single axis, delineated a series of walkways and passages and links between the different sized buildings. In particular, linear multi-storey residential buildings were
planned, with different level duplex dwellings, to be built on the valley edges, while large, mainly
two level, divided open spaces were planned descending towards the valley floor, equipped not
only to contribute to a pleasant community life, but also to serve the neighbouring suburbs. In
fact, the suburb was equipped with sporting facilities, such as a gym, football field, basketball and
volleyball courts, a bowls field and roller-skating rink (fig.2).
The whole project was designed and constructed, similar to others of the period, with energy features conforming to the regulations of time with no reference to any type of energy performance.
In fact, the law which included the first requirements to construct more energy efficient buildings
was Law 373/1977, later replaced by Law 10/1991, in force until the arrival of D.Lgs. 192/2005 and
its following amendments. The Vigne Nuove complex was equipped with a centralized heating
plant with one single heating system made up of five pressurized boilers with a total power output of 7 million kcal/h, fuelled by methane gas. As well, the project included the gas system, fire
protection system, electrical, telephone and intercom installations and the centralized television
antennae and lightning rods.
From a construction point of view, the buildings, while being an example of the best of Roman
architecture of those years, were constructed using prefabricated and industrialized systems,
adopted to reduce construction costs and times. This obviously resulted in a lack of flexibility.
Moreover, over time, the changing needs of the residents led to building alterations with the
construction of illegal additions, verandas, enclosed balconies, enclosed parking spaces and the
occupation of public spaces.
In general, social housing is one of the areas more adapt to eventual proposals for innovation and
experim