Acoustics and Lighting

Code

ABEE2001

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This module introduces the fundamentals of acoustic and lighting phenomena as they relate to design within the built environment, providing an overview of the psychological and technical/physical considerations that underpin design requirements. The selection of acoustic and lighting strategies relating to the design of buildings is then explored through the introduction of appropriate tools and techniques.
Module  contents includes topics such as:

Acoustics: considers the behaviour of sound in and around buildings by covering:

- sound propagation

- room acoustics

- sound insulation

- sound isolation

- ventilation and other noise reduction issues

 
Lighting: deals with the principles of artificial lighting and the lighting design process for buildings by covering:

- light sources and their selection

- types and properties of luminaires and their selection

- design methods and calculations

- CIBSE lighting design code

- lighting energy efficiency

- daylighting requirement and technology
 
Simple methods for predicting acoustical and lighting phenomena are discussed and practical design solutions are presented.

Target Students

BEng/ MEng Architectural Environment Engineering students; U6UAAEENG (Year 2); U6UAEENGY (Year 2); U7UAEENG (Year 2); U7UAEENGY (Year 2); U7UAEENGY1 (Year 2); (K240, K24B, K241, K24A, K24D)Elective module for BArch U6UATTRE (K100) and U6UARCST BA Arch Studies (K902).Other Engineering students as approved by module convenor.

Assessment

• 100% Exam (2-hour): Exam

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will demonstrate:
Knowledge and Understanding
1. an understanding of the importance of acoustics in the built environment and the underlying physical phenomena involved
2. an understanding of how materiality and design can influence the acoustical behaviour of buildings
3. an understanding of the behaviour of light in the built environment and how artificial light sources may be used to provide effectively lit spaces in an environmentally responsible manner
4. an understanding of the importance of daylight as part of the lighting scheme and how to manipulate building form and materiality to provide effective light provision

Intellectual skills
5. the ability to use engineering techniques to make simple design decisions in the domains of building acoustics and lighting

Professional/Practical Skills
6. the ability to discuss acoustics and lighting design related issues with cognate design professionals
 

Transferable /Key Skills
7. problem solving
8. numeracy

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
M3    Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
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
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
M9    Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity
M14    Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems
M15    Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights.

Conveners

• Dr Peter Rutherford
• Dr Robin Wilson