The growing integration of sustainability into university curricula requires teaching models capable of addressing social and environmental complexity through interdisciplinary and human-centered approaches. In this context, this research investigates the role of Virtual Reality as a pedagogical infrastructure to support sustainability-oriented learning, with a particular focus on conditions of frailty and the role of green spaces—areas that remain under-explored in the literature. The study adopts a research-through-design and design-based research approach, developed within a university course in which students design immersive environments using Extended Reality technologies and a shared metaverse hub. The methodological framework is structured in six iterative phases and is supported by a multi-level evaluation strategy based on project criteria and maturity indicators, applied to three learning domains. The results suggest the potential of Virtual Reality as a learning environment when technological, spatial, and design dimensions are coherently integrated. They also show different degrees of integration between frailty-oriented design approaches and spatial configurations, indicating how human-centered principles can be operationalized through design choices. In addition, the findings point to the role of green elements in contributing to the perceived quality of the experience when configured as active spatial components. Overall, the study proposes a replicable framework for integrating Virtual Reality into SDG-oriented curricula, providing evidence of design integration rather than a direct measurement of learning outcomes, and contributing to the connection between pedagogical, design, and environmental dimensions in higher education.

The digital and ecological transition of the industrial sector requires methodological tools that integrate information modelling, performance simulation, and operational decision support. In this context, the present study introduces and tests a semi-automatic BIM-to-BEM framework to optimise human-machine interaction and support critical data interpretation through Graphical User Interfaces. The objective is to propose and validate a BIM-to-BEM workflow for an existing industrial facility to enable comparative evaluation of energy retrofit scenarios. The information model, developed through an interdisciplinary federated approach and calibrated using parametric procedures, was exported in the gbXML format to generate a dynamic, interoperable energy model. Six simulation scenarios were defined incrementally, including interventions on the building envelope, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, photovoltaic production, and relamping. Results are made accessible through dashboards developed with Business Intelligence tools, allowing direct comparison of different design configurations in terms of thermal loads and indoor environmental stability, highlighting the effectiveness of integrated solutions. For example, the combined interventions reduced heating demand by up to 32% without compromising thermal comfort, while in the relamping scenario alone, the building could achieve an estimated 300 MWh reduction in annual electricity consumption. The proposed workflow serves as a technical foundation for developing an operational and evolving Digital Twin, oriented toward the sustainable governance of building-system interactions. The method proves to be replicable and scalable, offering a practical reference model to support the energy transition of existing industrial environments.

In recent decades, climate change and aging infrastructure have posed new challenges for Civil Engineering. In the domain of hydraulic infrastructures, there is a growing need to plan life-cycle management from the earliest design stages to optimize maintenance and prevent failures. The digitization of infrastructures, enabled by the development of Building Information Modelling (BIM), enhances resource control and collaboration among the various stakeholders involved in the project. It also establishes a framework for accessing valuable geometric and physical data for Facility Management (FM). This article investigates the integration of Visual Programming Language (VPL) with BIM models of hydropower plants, performing unsteady-state simulations within a unified platform that connects model parameters with hydraulic calculations. The proposed application is tested in a real-world case study, highlighting its potential for both design and FM operations.

In recent years, the digitization of Cultural Heritage (CH) has gained momentum, with Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) playing a vital role in developing services that enhance the understanding of built heritage. However, current HBIM-to-VR workflows, crucial for Virtual Heritage Experiences (VHEs), often rely on proprietary tools that may limit interoperability. To address this issue, some studies have used the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format which, unfortunately, lacks functionalities for VHE creation, complicating the process for non-IT users. This paper introduces a semi-automated HBIM-to-VR workflow using an enriched IFC file. The process includes a manual phase for preparing the IFC file with metadata and a subsequent automated phase where a VR platform generates a virtual visit. A use case involving the “Hall of Seasons” in Palazzo Carignano, Turin, demonstrates the workflow’s potential to improve accessibility and scalability in creating VHEs.

Risk assessment of long-existing infrastructure has become one of the main challenges in civil engineering. Major efforts have been made in recent years to develop new techniques for rapid damage identification and ensure proper management of these structures. This paper presents a data management approach utilizing BIM methodology to create a digital database for bridge monitoring procedures. Initially, two BIM methodologies for creating a damage database are introduced, focusing on beams from a dismantled urban viaduct. Subsequently, the most suitable methodology is applied to an existing bridge in Turin, Italy. Through the chosen methodology a damage identification and classification process based on a triangular mesh is performed, assisted by a convolutional neural network (CNN) for automatic damage detection. Additionally, the paper outlines a digitalization process within a BIM environment, integrating official guidelines for bridge risk evaluation, classification, and monitoring in Italy. By employing programming tools, all data required by the guidelines is efficiently incorporated into the database. The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of remote sensing applications for bridge inspection and the possibility of merging BIM methodology into the inspection process to enhance the damage assessment of existing structures.

Accessibility in cultural heritage is essential to foster inclusivity, particularly for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who may face sensory and social challenges in museums, such as bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces. Virtual Reality (VR) offers a promising solution by providing controlled and customizable experiences that can be tailored to their needs. However, a consolidated methodology for designing VR-based museum experiences for ASD users is still lacking. This paper proposes a structured approach based on three key design principles: modularity, predictability, and attention. These principles serve as the foundation for creating virtual visits specifically suited to the needs of individuals with ASD, aiming to provide accessible, engaging, and enriching experiences inspired by real-world visits. The results of a user study comparing a VR experience based on these principles with a traditional museum visit demonstrated significant advantages in terms of museum experience, with variations depending on ASD levels.

Achieving climate neutrality requires a fundamental transformation of production systems and energy use, driven by technological innovation. In the building sector, virtual representations of physical assets can accelerate this transition by enabling simulation-based evaluation of energy strategies. When combined with Reinforcement Learning (RL), these models support dynamic testing and real-time optimization of building operations. This study presents a simulation framework for assessing and comparing energy management strategies aimed at reducing energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort. As a case study, the methodology is applied to an existing industrial facility using the BIMtoBEM modeling approach. The framework integrates detailed simulation models with RL-based control to optimize the performance of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Two digital models with increasing Levels of Detail, are developed to evaluate the impact of three structural and one mechanical refurbishment scenario, alongside two RL control strategies. By simulating different combinations of physical retrofits and control approaches, the framework enables users to identify the most impactful interventions and make informed decisions based on specific energy-saving goals. Results show that modifying the mechanics of the HVAC system alone leads to a 12 % reduction in natural gas consumption, while combining retrofitting with RL can lead to 32 % of savings, emphasizing the impact of both physical and control-based interventions.

The maintenance of aging infrastructure requires advanced tools for efficient inspection and planning. This paper presents a methodology for segmenting and classifying point clouds of road tunnels to streamline maintenance operations. Processing large datasets, such as those generated by laser surveys, poses significant challenges without appropriate IT solutions. Data from four Italian tunnels were divided into segments and clustered into homogeneous groups. These clusters were manually classified to create a labeled dataset for training machine learning algorithms. The classified points, representing elements such as lining, road surfaces, and equipment, were then used to generate a 3D mesh model. By sharing the results in the OpenBIM format, the method facilitates seamless data exchange among infrastructure maintenance professionals, improving efficiency in planning and execution.

Complexity theory provides an essential framework for analysing buildings as complex systems, influenced by the interaction of architectural, structural and building services elements. To manage this complexity, BIM methods and tools for Facility Management leverage the language of drawing to represent the complexity of data and optimise its management. The analysis of more than three thousand rooms of the Piedmont Region Palace as a case study for this contribution demonstrates how algorithms and automatisms can facilitate the management of large amounts of data to improve the visualisation and interpretation of information. This paper examines the value of graphical interfaces in revealing hidden logics of complexity and transforming them into resources available to users for a new decision support system. Article info Received: 10/09/2024; Revised: 11/10/2024; Accepted: 14/10/2024

This systematic review aims to synthesise Web-GIS evidence for managing natural hazards to share state-of-the-art practices and policies. A comprehensive search in SCOPUS, among other databases, identified 1775 articles published between 2014 and 2023. Following a selection process based on the PRISMA model, 65 articles met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed a growing trend over the past decade, with most research concentrated in the last three years. Eight crucial subtopics within the Web-GIS domain have emerged: Integrated Spatial Analysis and Modelling, Technologies and Infrastructure, Visualisation and User Interface Design, Decision Support Systems, Real-time Monitoring and Early Warning, Disaster Recovery and Resilience, Citizen and Social Media Integration, and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration. A substantial contribution of the literature has been identified in Decision Support Systems and Integrated Spatial Analysis, reflecting their vital role in strategising and predicting hazard impacts. Furthermore, a geographical distribution analysis revealed significant Web-GIS applications in countries like Italy and China, alongside a deficit in low- and middle-income countries. It also highlights potential gaps in hazard studies, including the need to prioritise heatwave management in the face of climate change. This research calls for policymakers and practitioners to leverage evidence-informed decision making and foster community collaboration for enhanced natural disaster resilience.

Climate neutrality is a global challenge that requires a revolution in production models and energy use. The industrial sector, one of the leading emitters of pollutants, needs technological innovation to reverse this trend, promoting solutions to improve production, reduce energy consumption and cut operating costs. The Digital Transition to Industry 5.0 explores the complexity of the energy transition and the development of a digital twin to address the challenges of climate change. The research describes an innovative process based on Information Technologies and BIMtoBEM methodologies to develop a digital twin of the factory to implement visualisation systems, such as digital dashboards and extended reality technologies, placing human beings at the centre of the proposed methodological flow. Article info Received: 06/04/2024; Revised: 10/04/2024; Accepted: 18/04/2024

In recent years, the practice of using laser scanners or other technologies to create point clouds describing historical artifacts has become consolidated. The purpose of these surveys method is to carefully inspect architectural heritage elements. In this contest, H-BIM approach associates the geometric objects derived from these surveys with information useful for various fields (e.g., the maintenance or history of the elements). In this contribution, an analysis is made of the data required to use BIM models in extended reality (XR) applications to optimize the data accessibility for several end users (e.g., museum visitors, frails people).DOI: https://doi.org/10.20365/disegnarecon.32.2024.9

Shared attention effects on learning and memory demonstrate that experiences are amplified when we are not alone. Virtual reality poses new challenges to the study of co-presence. Above all, is coattending together with someone else’s avatar in an immersive VR setting comparable with shared experiences at a neural processing level? In the present study we investigate shared attention effects in VR for the first time. We recorded mismatch negativities (MMN) during an auditory roving paradigm, a well-known index of implicit perceptual learning. EEG responses to deviant and standard sounds were registered while subjects were alone (Solo condition) or together (Other condition) with a virtual avatar (Virtual scenario) or physically present confederate (Physical scenario). We found an overall main effect of co-presence on MMN revealed by a point-by-point 2 × 2 ANOVA, thereby replicating previous studies on physical co-presence. Additionally, we found no significant interaction between the scenario (Physical vs. Virtual) and co-presence (Solo vs. Other). Our results indicate that virtual immersive co-presence mimics physical co-presence.

The metaverse has been recognized as being the next generation of internet allowing immersive digital spaces accessible through multiple devices for different activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the research in the metaverse subject in teaching activities, working within a multidisciplinary class of engineering and architecture students. The goal is to learn how to reach a Society 5.0 able to take care people with different disabilities (here, 'frailty') using an integrated scientific and humanistic approach. Between reality and fantasy, a hub in the mountain of the NODES metaverse was constructed to allow students and professor to communicate and verify all the projects developed during the semester of the "Virtual Reality and frailty" course. Twenty-three projects have been developed focused on both, people with different frailty and caregivers, focusing in a mountain digital and sustainable. The final metaverse demonstrates that students can develop 3D environments with high levels of interaction for both treatment/rehabilitation and entertainment. This indicates that there is a new way of teaching that must be investigate among new challenges at university level in both technical and humanistic domains without limits of time, space and material.

In this work, we present a novel distributed software platform for patients with neurodegenerative diseases that affect motor neurons. The linking point between this wide range of diseases is the strong social impact they have, degrading the freedom of action of the patient; the loss of functionality of motor neurons, caused by progressive degradation, makes the body unable to move. Thus, our solution aims at making patients more autonomous in their daily activities and at improving remote health-care monitoring for medical staff by combining virtual reality, building information modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), and eye-tracking technologies. Starting from the 3-D parametric BIM model, patients can virtually explore the surrounding environment (through eye movements) and control the environment by interacting with IoT smart devices, thus performing different tasks.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) initially originated in the construction field but has taken wide scale across all other sectors, especially in electrical systems. This paper presents the main steps and outcomes of creating a BIM model of the electrical components to conduct various analyses and simulations. The potentialities of Extended Reality (XR) technologies were investigated for the design and management of electrical systems toward the Digital Twin idea. Lighting simulations, power calculations, interference detection, and maintenance planning are some of the results obtained in the paper by using BIM tools. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate, through the analysis of a case study, that a BIM based Digital Twin prototype can bring several benefits (e.g. electrical data management for maintenance) and increased training and skill development opportunities with the XR technologies. Possible improvements and future challenges are mentioned in the next future in the field of BIM and Digital Twin for electrical systems in industrial buildings.

New perspectives for interpreting complexity are now made possible by the collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence through large language models. This approach can enrich the narrative of construction and infrastructure works through tangible and comprehensible semantic representations that increase the accessibility of digital models to users in the field. The research explores using a chatbot as a possible cognitive interpretation tool to improve understanding and knowledge extraction from increasingly complex data systems. The study results describe and highlight the crucial role of the prototype in supporting the interrogation of graphical and alphanumeric information in OpenBIM format of critical infrastructure for management, maintenance and personnel training purposes. Article info Received: 10/09/2024; Revised: 11/10/2024; Accepted: 14/10/2024