Anticipation and Resilience: Urban Regeneration Experience of NZEB Social Housing

The article, starting from the common roots of future studies and environmental design, analyses some of matters regarding the adaptation of cities to climate change, from a multi-scalar point of view involving next generation policy and design approach. Two case studies of social housing low-cost nearly zero energy buildings are then described highlighting the role of the Municipality of Florence, of the institution Casa SpA and of the team of bioclimatic advisors. The methodology used by the scientific team involves a multi-scalar approach with extensive use of numerical simulation to pursue true understanding of the complex factors involving the design problem. The two buildings show that high energy and sustainability standards can be addressed and resolved through proper sustainable design even in a social housing low-budget project. The cooling needs are reduced in a range from 74 to 100%, proving that an effective bioclimatic design of passive and hybrid systems can eliminate the need of mechanical cooling.