The WellBEH project proposes the development of an original reasoning method named ReCARe through its application to practical cases in order to reach a combined design of diagnosis and intervention plan based on the challenging articulation of three pillars: preservation of the housing heritage, improvement of energy efficiency, and enhancement of the comfort of inhabitants.

WellBEH conceives intervention practices as the outcome of an integrated exercise, linking historical and architectural values, bioclimatic strategies, and participatory processes in which Architecture and Research - through Design - play a fundamental role. This research project is based on reasoning with regard to the built environment as a decision-making process in the context of architectural heritage preservation, in balance with current environmental and social needs, while also considering space uses and their impact on energy consumption to enhance the comfort of the inhabitants.

The retrofitting of Modern architecture is an urgent and complex process, both due to the necessary response to contemporary societal challenges (e.g., climate adaptation and well-being) and the strong connection with the cultural and heritage values of this legacy. Within this universe, ordinary housing heritage with distinct characteristics and enormous potential for adaptation and improvement of efficiency and comfort deserve special attention. These buildings form a significant part of the urban and cultural structure but are often neglected in intervention policies. The balanced management of the preservation of this heritage with energy-sustainable solutions is a pressing and fundamental challenge to ensure the continuity and value of these complexes and the well-being and comfort of their inhabitants.

The project brings together a team composed of architects, engineers, and sociologists with different experiences and professional backgrounds and international consultants with a relevant curriculum in the disciplinary areas of the project. WellBEH also foster greater cooperation between academia, industry, and society in implementing new approaches to built heritage.

WellBEH stems from the knowledge built with the research 'Design and Intervention between Form and Function' [CEEC/INST/00162/2018] in analysing the relationship between intervention strategies and energy sustainability measures. WellBEH will also work in connection with the activities conducted by the Docomomo International Specialist Committee on Technology and Docomomo Portugal.

Team

Luciana Rocha (Coordinator)
CEAU/FAUP, Portugal

Rui Fernandes Póvoas (Coordinator)
CEAU/FAUP, Portugal

Ana Tostões
CITUA/IST-UL, Portugal

Ana Sofia Guimarães
FEUP, Portugal

Azar Mohammadpanah
CEAU/FAUP, Portugal

Eliseu Gonçalves
CEAU/FAUP, Portugal

Giuseppe Galbiati
USI, Suíça

José Virgílio Borges Pereira
IS/FLUP, Portugal

Pedro Varela
CEAU/FAUP, Portugal

Collaboration agreement
Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto (SCMP)

Publications
Book chapters:
Rocha, Luciana. 2023. "O património arquitectónico do Campo do Luso: do plano ao desenho do fogo". In Brincar no recreio. Os jardins e parque infantil do Luso-Lima (1961-2020). Pierrot le Fou.

Journal articles:
Rocha, Luciana; Póvoas, Rui Fernandes; Restivo, Joana. 2023. “The Right to Comfort in Social Housing: Energy and Thermal Performances as Parameters of a Systemic Analysis”. Buildings 13 (5): 1173. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051173

Journal edition:
Rocha, Luciana; Póvoas, Rui Fernandes (eds.). 2023. "Indoor Comfort in Residential Buildings: Research on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Perception". Buildings 12 (7). ISSN: 2075-5309.

Booklets edition:
The publication of a series of booklets - Tectonic Series (TS) - focused on the analysis of practical cases from the Improvement Plan compares the architectural and construction aspects of the original projects and contemporary interventions, with a central focus on enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings. This edition compiles graphic, photographic, and bibliographic material about the case studies in an analysis that aims to raise awareness about the consequences of each action and contribute to breaking down preconceptions associated with interventions geared towards thermal comfort, especially in the social context. Doing so also benefits the municipal and industrial sectors.

Rocha, Luciana; Póvoas, Rui Fernandes (org.). “Well-Balanced Energy Housing. Tectonic Series (TS).” Vol.01-03. Porto: Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Arquitectura, WellBEH.

TS01. Cerco do Porto I neighbourhood. ISBN: 978-989-8527-57-8 [digital: https://hdl.handle.net/10216/156158]
TS02. Cerco do Porto II neighbourhood. ISBN: 978-989-8527-58-5 [digital: https://hdl.handle.net/10216/156154]
TS03. Falcão neighbourhood. ISBN: 978-989-8527-59-2 [digital: https://hdl.handle.net/10216/156156]

Dissemination:
Guided tour of Campo do Luso (Luso-Lima Housing Complex) with architect Luís Pinheiro Loureiro. Organisation as part of the launch of the book "Brincar no recreio. Os jardins e parque infantil do Luso-Lima (1961-2020)". Fundação Marques da Silva (FIMS), Pierrot Le Fou (2023/11/11).

Conference 'Architects as Agents of Decarbonization' by Daniel Barber. Organization: Eliseu Gonçalves and Luciana Rocha. Collaboration with the Theory 2 curricular unit of the Doctoral Program in Architecture (PDA), EcHo/Atlas da Casa and WellBEH/PACT lines/research and with CEAU/FAUP support (2024/04/12).

Working sessions:
Meeting with the international consultant Daniel Barber at FAUP (2024/04/12).

Scholarship:
MSc Azar Mohammadpanah (2023/09/05 - 2023/12/05).