Upgrading existing façades by integrating seismic interventions with vertical green solutions. The undergoing project at the University of Parma

Upgrading existing buildings to enhance seismic safety and provide climate adaptation presents significant challenges both today and in the near future. The issue of how to effectively integrate seismic interventions with sustainable solutions to improve the microclimatic performance of existing buildings remains largely underestimated. The present study investigates the role of various vegetated green solutions applied to the metallic framework utilized for seismic enhancements at the teaching headquarters of the Department of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Parma. In this context, in addition to the essential seismic interventions aimed at improving the building’s earthquake resistance, a microclimatic assessment has been conducted, focusing on green solutions, orientations, and stages of plant growth. The paper aims to examine the extent to which three distinct green solutions can be implemented during the installation phase of seismic measures to provide shade for the building envelope and enhance outdoor thermal comfort near green façades. These solutions include a green wall supported by vertical metal mesh anchored to the existing façades, a green-covered wooden pergola aligned with the St. Andrew’s cross bracings, and a green wall that grows directly on the existing walls. Each solution, which must avoid interfering with the metal framework, has been climatically evaluated using ENVI-met in both current and projected future scenarios, taking into account the Leaf Area Index (LAI) of Parthenocissus tricuspidata. The findings indicate that incorporating vegetation into seismic structures from the initial stages can provide significant cooling benefits by lowering the Mean Radiant Temperature and the Universal Thermal Climate Index, depending on orientation, leaf density, and outdoor temperature.