Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
AR40363 Environment and sustainability |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW100 |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To create an awareness of the physical environment around buildings, and to demonstrate a range of appropriate measures for modifying this environment, through passive and active, visual and technical means. In addition, to introduce principles of sustainable environmental design; and develop an awareness and enthusiasm for building design and construction using natural materials, and current methods and techniques.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit the student will have: a) The ability to demonstrate in an essay, and in relation to a specific site being explored in Design Studio 5, an understanding of building technologies, environmental design and construction methods in relation to: human well-being, the welfare of future generations, the natural world, the consideration of a sustainable environment. b) An acquaintance with general concepts in ecology and facts related to a specific case study should also be achieved by the students. In addition, the student will be able to demonstrate: c) the application of principles of sustainability in project-based coursework; a broad understanding of the context, characteristics, and applications of selected natural building materials; and sufficient knowledge to design and specify natural materials and current methods. Skills: Independent research, design, and communication of information. Content: The unit will comprise of lectures covering prevalent landscape and ecological attitudes; principles of sustainability in the urban context; environmental impact of building materials; selected natural alternatives and methods (stone; earth; lime; natural fibres; green oak and round pole construction; bamboo); recycled natural products; natural building materials and building regulation requirements. All the lectures will normally relate to the context of the urban situation being studied in Design Studio 5. Tutorials will develop individual and group responses to such issues by students in the context of design problems that are part of the studio work. |