Architectural and technological additions as strategies to improve urban quality in refurbishment actions

A great interest towards the energy saving opportunities related to refurbishment initiatives in the existing stock is growing in the building sector not only to contribute in reducing the primary energy demand but also with the aim to improve the quality of urban fabric. The process of renewal entails a transformation of the existing building which is often accom-panied by the introduction of architectural and technological additions. This paper analyses the role and the potentiality of this strategy. Some addition models will be defined and a methodological approach will be described in order to point out the design steps aimed to satisfy the main goals of the refurbishment action and, in the meanwhile, to match a suitable energy balance.