On the resilience of Italian urban cloisters in historical fabrics to climate change

This research paper addresses the necessity of recognizing the diverse features of Italian urban cloisters, a widespread building typology. The study assesses the thermal resilience of urban cloisters and their adaptation potential to new secular functions, customized to meet the current climatic challenges and those projected by 2080 because of climate change. By highlighting the historical and cultural heritage values, the paper assesses the typological diversity of urban cloisters to understand the extent to which their thermal resilience can be promoted and enhanced, considering the evident effects of climate change and the need for their conservation. The study also explores the potential of renovating and repurposing ancient cloister buildings in densely populated areas to meet modern urban state-of-the-art standards. Using state-of-the-art simulation tools and two practical case studies in Parma, Italy, the research evaluates the performance of urban cloisters for the projected summer conditions of 2080, emphasizing the role of building envelope materials and other passive features. The results highlight the need to promote thermal resilience offered by urban cloisters as a profitable mean to respond to the effects of global warming in urban settings.