EPD-Based Material Database Development for Architectural Design Stage

This research-oriented thesis examines the development and implementation of the Material Passport tool, designed to facilitate sustainable and well-documented material choices within architectural design processes. By evaluating the tool's effectiveness in meeting two core principles – traceable decision-making and harmonized analysis for fair comparison – the study highlights the significance of incorporating environmental impact assessments in early design stages. Introducing the Material Passport tool as an innovative solution, this work addresses environmental concerns in architectural design. The tool's ability to streamline material selection and support decision-making through a comprehensive and centralized material database is emphasized. As a demonstration of its practical application, the thesis employs the Bra Community Health Hub, an adaptive reuse project in Bra, Italy, as a case study to showcase the potential impact of the Material Passport tool in promoting sustainability within architectural design. This research ultimately contributes to advancing the discourse on sustainable and environmentally conscious architectural practices.