Environmental Sciences for Architects 1
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ABEE1019 | Department of Architecture and Built Environment | 1 | 10 | Spring China |
- Code
- ABEE1019
- School
- Department of Architecture and Built Environment
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring China
Summary
Environmental Science for Architects 1 is a semester long module that introduces students to the principles of environmental science theories and their complex interrelationship that influence human experience of the natural and built environment. 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 seeks to integrate the fields of human behavioural psychology and physiology to the physical quantification of environmental stimuli, with a view to achieving an understanding of the role that physical factors have in obtaining comfort and satisfaction inside and outside buildings through the aid of analytical tools such as climatic analysis, psychrometric process, comfort standards and average daylight factors. This module will demonstrate 1) design and critically evaluate the performance of technological, systems and materials; 2) a systematic understanding of climatic and site orientation through environmental factors that influence daylighting design; 3) passive heating and cooling strategies.
Target Students
BEng Hons Architecture andBEng Hons Architectural Environment Engineering
Classes
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Group Work (6-7). 3000-word technical report (A3).
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to provide an understanding of the environment as an integral part of the process of design – to whom it is closely intertwined in both teaching and assessment - highlighting the importance of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) as it applies to the welfare of future generations. In so doing, it seeks to encourage consideration of environmental issues – specifically focused on the design of the visual/luminous environment – from the outset of a project, giving students the ability to reflect on the appropriate environmental strategies that respond to the needs of the occupant, building programme and prevailing climate, and the ability to explore many of these in a rigorous manner.The module also aims to introduce students to some simple analytical tools and techniques that allow them to explore and understand their proposed environmental strategies within their immediate context, thus helping them to validate their design ideas and assumptions.Learning Outcomes
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
M17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.
The module also contributes to C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C13, C16, C17.
Conveners
- Dr Runqi Liang