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AR50512: Sustainable design & environment

[Page last updated: 16 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
Credits: 5 [equivalent to 10 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 100
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: CWES 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Essay (CWES 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the Unit, you will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of buildings on the environment, and the precepts of sustainable design 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems, and the environmental impact of specification choices 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles associated with designing optimum visual, thermal and acoustic environments 4. Demonstrate knowledge of systems for environmental comfort realised within relevant precepts of sustainable design. 5. Explain the science of fire, smoke generation and spread and how building design and specification can minimise risk.


Synopsis: You will learn about the physical environment around buildings, learn about a range of appropriate measures for modifying this environment, through passive and active, visual and technical means. You will also be introduced to principles of sustainable environmental urban design; and develop an awareness for building design and construction using natural materials, and current methods and techniques.

Content: This unit is structured around a series of lectures on different aspects of Sustainable Design & the Environment, including the architectural ramifications of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, followed by a series of student led seminars on different theories and methods. This could include themes such as: Climate emergency; Whole life carbon; Principles of environmental comfort; Systems for environmental comfort; Environmental impact of buildings; Natural building materials.

Course availability:

AR50512 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following courses:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering

AR50512 is a Must Pass Unit on the following courses:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • TEAR-ANM38 : MArch(Hons) Architecture with Thin sandwich placement(s)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.