Learning sustainable building by doing architectural detail models

The paper presents the outcomes of an experimental didactic activity aimed at developing three-dimensional architectural details models starting from the exploration of "zero cost" materials and products. This activity was proposed to students in the first year of the degree course in Architecture at Politecnico di Torino, as part of the course Culture and Fundamentals of Architectural Technology. By considering the building as the set of spatial and technical elements characterised by their function and relationships, the process of architectural detail modelmaking allows students to understand the functional roles of the different building components, and to explore how different elements and materials integrate to realize a sustainable and energy-efficient building. Furthermore, the choice of using waste or recycled materials has brought the students closer to sustainability issues, in particular focusing on material recovery and the circular economy. The students creatively explored the 'zero-cost' materials available to them, selecting those that visually or tactically alligned with the characteristics of the architectural element they intend to model. The models were collected in a book. The result is an unusual open access catalogue of architectural details easy to understand, made by architecture students for architecture students.