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The paper shows the results of an applied research carried out at the Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, to integrate a multi-criteria method in the generative design process of envelope refitting with the aim of implementing a holistic evaluation of sustainability. The resulting Decision Support System is created for the decision-maker who has to assess the multiple performance aspects of a complex system by considering alternative options. It is a procedure that promotes multi-disciplinarity in the generative design process via horizontal integration of the skills of subjects involved in the process, besides vertical integration in relation to the inclusion of further specialisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade the European residential market has seen radical social and economic changes. The economic situation and heterogeneous housing demand has created the necessary conditions for the development of new housing models. This paper introduces the methods, procedures and tools of a process model for new construction or retrofitting of residential buildings called Collective Self-Organised (CSO) housing. The CSO process model is characterized by service sharing, reduction of construction costs and use of high energy performance technologies developed through the PROFICIENT research project financed by the European community's 7th framework programme (GA N°312219). The paper also presents an example of a Dutch CSO housing project named 'De Hallen'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy applied to the urban context is linked to sustainability objectives focused on environmental performances overlooking socio-political implications, in order to achieve a circular balance within the neoliberal paradigm of business-nature-society in a continuous growth scenario. This paper discusses this criticality, articulating a counter perspective based on the debate of degrowth, circularity and technology through the analysis of three cases of socio-technical assemblages: Transition Towns; Repair Cafes; Community Gardens. The research individuates the effectiveness of urban practices in which the circularity is implemented beyond purely economic interactions or ecoefficiency parameters, defining the potentialities of a degrowing circular city based on inclusiveness, social justice and reciprocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fener - Balat represents the 19th century Ottoman social way of life with particular construction techniques and urban life in Istanbul. In the 20th century, conservation approaches influenced the area and the recently there has been intervention in disaster prevention concerning architectural heritage. In this paper, a brief history and values have been elucidated. Urban resilience was intended in the historical area starting with a rehabilitation programme; however, various stakeholders display inconsistent scenarios on the historical built environment. As a methodology, the paper analyses major urban interventions influencing the area; in addition, monitoring after the Rehabilitation Programme via direct investigation on the neighbourhoods was discussed in the context of resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]