FAÇADE R-EVOLUTION Summer School. A Design-to-Construction Workshop on Circular Building Renovation Strategies

The FAÇADE R-EVOLUTION Summer School offers an immersive, forward-thinking workshop that challenges Master’s students to rethink how we renovate the urban environment. Moving beyond traditional retrofitting, this program pioneers a "design-to-construction" paradigm in which building envelopes are no longer static barriers but dynamic, low-carbon resource banks.

Participants will dive into cutting-edge strategies from Design for Assembly, Disassembly, Reuse and Remanufacturing (DfADRR) practices and high-performance bio-based materials (such as mycelium, hemp, and agricultural by-products) to disruptive Circular Business Models that reshape the construction market. Driven by an evidence-based approach and guided by international academic pioneers and industry trailblazers, students will actively bridge theory, hands-on experimentation, and industry challenges to design next-generation circular façade systems.

Partner Universities & Lecturers
Politecnico di Torino
- Prof. Roberto Giordano (coordinator)
- Prof. Francesca Thiebat
Delft University of Technology
- Prof. Dr.ing. T. Konstantinou (visiting professor)
- Prof. Jan Jongert
Levery Srl Società Benefit
- Dr. Matteo Giovanardi

When & Where
September 21–25, 2026
Torino (in presence)

How to apply
The program is open to students currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Architecture, Building Engineering, Civil Engineering, Product Design, or related disciplines.
In order to apply, it is necessary to send a short portfolio to the course coordinator at roberto.giordano@polito.it and matteo.giovanardi@polito.it by September 11, 2026.

Teaching activities & methods
The teaching activities of the FAÇADE R-EVOLUTION Summer School are structured around three core thematic pillars: Design for Circularity (reversible joints, disassembly protocols, and component longevity), Bio-Based Materials (innovative low-carbon, bio-sourced construction products), and Market & Business Models (exploring non-architectural dimensions such as financial, legal, and managerial frameworks).

To bridge theory, research, and practice, the program adopts a dynamic range of pedagogical methods:

• Frontal Lectures: Theoretical foundations delivered by academic experts.
• Industry & Professional Insights: Presentations by leading practitioners and companies sharing real-world market experiences.
• Thematic Seminar: A dedicated round-table seminar gathering guest speakers to discuss cutting-edge circular renovation strategies.
• Site Visit (according to number of participants): A field trip to a bio-based materials production facility (RICEHOUSE) for direct, hands-on learning.
• In-Class Interactive Workshops: Collaborative group project work mentored by experts, where students apply learned concepts directly to their façade design proposals.

• Master advanced Design for Disassembly (DfADRR) protocols to create fully reversible façade envelopes.
• Evaluate and specify innovative bio-based construction materials to significantly reduce embodied carbon.
• Formulate systemic Circular Business Models integrating economic, legal, and managerial dimensions.
• Apply life-cycle metrics and specialized digital tools to validate circular building strategies.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to pitch viable, industry-ready circular renovation projects to academic and market experts.