Building Case Study

Code

ABEE4018

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This module aims to develop practical knowledge, critical understanding and competent ability of the environmental and technological dimensions of architectural design. It is designed to support practical applications in the studio, reinforcing skills in the integative nature of architectural design.

Target Students

Students studying MArch Architecture with Collaborative Practice (ARB/RIBA Part 2) U7UARCCPX and U7UARCCPY.

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 22 weeks

The module is undertaken whilst in architectural practice and is supported by web-based material and study days. The module is strongly interrleated with the residence based module ABEE4043 in learning outcomes and assessment. Students are granted access to the online learning material offered on Moodle within ABEE4043 and are invited to engage with its weekly activities

Assessment

• 80% Coursework 1: Technical report
• 20% Coursework 2: In class activity

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

1. Determine  understanding , critically evaluate and reflect on how technologies, materials, construction systems, environmental principles and strategies have informed facade design outcome of a building in response to climate and the agenda of environmental , economic and social sustainability.  

2. Demonstrate an understanding of sustainable design by describing the relationship between local and global climate, built facade form, needs and aspirations of building users and energy consumption. 

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles associated with visual, thermal and acoustic environments and the potential environment and health and safety consequences of poor design. 

4. Exhibit knowledge of system design for environmental comfort and strategies for building services within a framework of understanding of integrated design and the environment and safety impact of specification of choice. 

5. Demonstrate an ability to devise appropriate presentation and communication skills. 

6. Demonstrate understanding and application of the principles of smoke and fire safety. 

This module supports the following ARB Criteria at Part 2 , through assessment (A) supporting  a student to have:

• GC5.2 Understanding of the impact of building on the environment and the precepts of sustainable design. 

• GC9.1 Knowledge of principles assosiated with designing optimum visual, thermal and acoustic environments. 

• GC9.2 Knowledge of systems for environmental comfort realised within relevant precepts of sustainable design.   

Knowledge 

• K1 Design - A range of advanced processes and techniques (e.g. digital fabrication) to generate, review and speculate on design proposals with multiple constraints, showing evidence of original thinking.

• K5 People and Environment - The in-depth relationships between users and buildings, between buildings and their environment, and the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to diverse user needs and scale.

• K8 Structure, construction and engineering - Structural, constructional and engineering considerations within building design, such as physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems.

• K9 Technologies - Principles, systems and strategies for environmental comfort and building services including sustainability principles. Alternative construction materials, processes and techniques that apply to design and construction, including the impact of materials on the environment. The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM), computational design and other relevant technologies used in the design process.

Skills:

• S1 Design - Generate architectural design proposals. Evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critique and explain design proposals. Produce drawings and 3D models using relevant software including Computer-Aided Design (CAD).

• S5 People and Environment - Identify end user needs, local and the social context in which the project is developed. Lead design development in respect of environmental context and sustainability.

• S8 Structure, construction and engineering - Integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques with building design.

• S9 Technologies - Evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural designs with multiple constraints and building construction, and how to integrate these into practicable design proposals. Apply various technological methods to building design to provide conditions of comfort and protection against the environment.

Behaviours:

• B4 Be organised and practice self-management when working independently.

Conveners

• Dr Mark Alston