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Reducing temperature rise in urban centers by reflecting solar radiation from buildings and surfaces.
Smart materials such as cool roofs and cool pavements, which are highly capable of reflecting solar radiation, are alternative and healthier energy-saving solutions. This is due to their cooling property of the buildings, reducing both the island effect of urban heat and the overheating of urban areas compared to the surrounding countryside (peripheral areas). “Cool” Materials are still poorly used in Europe, especially where they are most needed, that is in Southern Europe. The MAIN project, co-funded by the MED Program of the European Union, aims at promoting the acquaintance, use and trade of “cool” products, which have a positive impact on the health of people and the environment. MAIN is the tool to promote a “cooler” buildings and cities. This is accomplished through platform sharing and local-level implementation of actions developed by partners in order to foster knowledge of smart materials and facilitate their accessibility and proper use.
Partner
• University of Modena & Reggio Emilia (Italy)
• Sicily Region – Department of Urban Planning, Palermo (Italy)
• (GIP FIPAN), Nice (France)
• European School of Crafts (SEUM), Arezzo (Italy)
• Municipality of Arezzo (Italy)
• Fundaciò Universitat-Empresa de les Illes Balears (Spain)
• Municipality of Acharnes (Greece)
• CMAR-PACA, Nice (France)
• Athens Chamber of Medium Sized Industries (Greece)
• SCIENTER Espana S.L., Granada (Spain)
• IASA, Athens (Greece)
• Energy and Sustainable Development Agency, Modena (Italy)
Promoters
• Comunità Europea
Duration
2 years
concluded
Master
Equal
The Master project is an EU Equal initiative funded by the European Social Fund and the Ministry of Labour, developed between 2002 and 2005. It built the foundations for SEUM: results achieved, transnational connections and its close-knit team meant that the project was a success and developed into a stable association which continues this initial experience and develops future projects.
Three courses consisting of 960 hours of theoretical lessons, stone cutting, fresco, colour and decoration laboratories, technical visits and on-site training were organised at over ten monuments and internship sites in Barcelona, specifically at the Istitut Gaudì and Sagrada Familia work site, and in Paris, at the Compagnons de Devoi and the Institut Bâtiment et Travaux Public.
The job title is now recognised by the Tuscany region and is awarded to candidates who pass the final examination. These courses have produced architectonic surface conservation and maintenance professionals which have worked at prestigious sites. Many have found employment in the sector or improved their own career prospects. The programme also included internships in Italy for students from France, with focus on the restoration of stone material and wall fresco decoration. Conventions were organised in Italy, Barcelona and Paris. A website, publications and video were all produced.
Partners
• Compagnons du Devoir du Tour de France, Francia
• AREF BTP Region Parisienne, Francia
• Institut du Bâtiment et Travaux Public, Francia
• Istitut Gaudì de la Costrucciò, Spagna
• Soprintendenza di Arezzo, Italia
