Redefining Ex-Scalo Ravone:A resilient Urban transformation applying LEED principles and ENVI-met microclimate analysis

The ex-scalo Ravone now known as DumBo (Distretto Urbano Multifunzionale di Bologna) is situated in the Porto-Saragozza Quartiere of Bologna, Italy. The site was Ravone freight yard and is owned by the FS Sistemi Urbani, now it is used as a temporary urban regeneration space. The focus of this thesis is the adaptive reuse of the Temporanea Building in DumBo and enhancing its surroundings and making it more environmentally friendly. With the help of the software ENVI-met and LEED principles the historic structure is re-thought and transformed into a resilient urban space. The first step for this research was an extensive analysis of the site’s surroundings using Envi-met and pointing out the zones which were affected by the Urban heat island effect (UHI).Based on this analysis, and going through some case studies, strategic interventions were proposed such as bioswales, flower gardens, tree planting, permeable pavements, and water bodies to improve thermal comfort and ecological performance. LEED criteria and sub-criteria were then systematically applied with the help of ENVI-met simulation results. Eventually these findings led to the development of a sustainable masterplan after taking into consideration the environmental and social issues. Even though new functions were introduced such as the University library, pottery workshop, café and adaptable exhibition, the essence of the heritage structure remained undisturbed. The revised ENVI-met simulation of the proposed masterplan demonstrates significant improvements in environmental performance, reinforcing the project's contribution toward LEED certification and sustainable urban regeneration. To end the study, a last simulation of a future scenario for the year 2050 was done to see if the proposed design would continue to function just as effectively in the future.