Environmental Science for Architects

Code

ABEE1004

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

1

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

ESA 1 module, to demonstrate:
1. Design and critically evaluate the performance of technological, systems and materials.
2. Applied systematic solutions to meet energy demand reduction through maximization daylighting design by the themes.
3. Develop a systematic understanding of climatic and site orientation through environmental factors that influence daylighting design.
4. Assess the impact of environmental and economic factors on buildings of various scales through case study analysis of daylighting design through the themes.
5. Develop and evaluate daylighting design based on the use of performance physical modelling simulation modelling tools (google sketchup: 3D modelling) or other.

Target Students

BEng/ MEng Architectural Environment Engineering students; U6UAAEENG (Year 1); U6UAEENGY (Year 1); U7UAEENG (Year 1); U7UAEENGY (Year 1); U7UAEENGY1 (Year 1); (K240, K24B, K241, K24A, K24D) BArch Architecture U6UATTRE (Year 1); U6UATTRE7 (Year 1); (K100).

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: Technical report to word count limit specified in brief.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Students will understand the fundamental measures used to describe the key parameters affecting human comfort in physical, physiological and psychological terms, and will develop an appreciation of how these relate to personal experiences. Methods and tools for investigation of the environmental forces present on a site will be illustrated, along with strategies for using the building as a climate modifier to create comfortable environments. The module will particularly teach students how the environmental forces of sunlight and daylight can inform architectural design, in terms of perception, composition of spaces and energy-related issues, with rigour in design development.

On successful completion of this module, students will demonstrate:

1. an awareness of the importance of the environmental agenda and environmental / architectural science as it applies to contemporary design challenges

2. an understanding of the importance of some of the energy flows both out with and inside buildings and how they will affect the operation of a building, its energy consumption (and resultant carbon emissions) and occupant comfort / satisfaction.

3. a fundamental knowledge of the context-specific environmental strategies as they relate to different climates, occupant expectations and building programme

4. an ability to research and identify those strategies and energy flows that are relevant to the immediate context and explore and critically reflect on them in a rigorous manner using a range of analytical and observational tools and techniques

5. organisation skills, an ability to manage time carefully and work as part of a team

6. an ability to interpret, manage, manipulate and communicate complex and interrelated information in a manner that is appropriate, rigorous, creative and legible

This module supports the following Engineering Council learning outcomes - supporting students to:

M1   Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
M2   Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M3   Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M4   Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
M5   Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
M6   Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
M7   Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts
M13   Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations
M16   Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance 

Conveners

• Dr Mark Alston