Course syllabus for Sustainable architectural design

The course syllabus contains changes
See changes

Course syllabus adopted 2022-02-17 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameArkitektur och hållbar gestaltning
  • CodeARK466
  • Credits22.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPDSD
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyArchitecture
  • ThemeArchitectural design project 22.5 c
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 17121
  • Maximum participants20
  • Open for exchange studentsYes
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0117 Project 9.5 c
Grading: TH		 9.5 c
0217 Project 13 c
Grading: TH		 13 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Qualification for the masters programme or Bachelor degree or similar in Architecture, Architecture and Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Interior Architecture

Aim

The students in the studio are induced to develop the knowledge, skills and tools to be able to design, plan and construct, evaluate and advise on, the creation of low-carbon, sustainable buildings as well as evaluate the environmental impacts of their decisions.
The studio is specifically designed to meet the need for buildings to be judged by their actual performance as much as by their appearance, and to demonstrate sustainability in terms of:
- their global impacts with regard to climate changing emissions and use of finished resources
- their impacts on local levels of pollution and waste
- their ability to positively contribute towards sustainable development and human well-being

The overall aim is to promote an interdisciplinary and strategic integrated approach to design that will enable future professionals to integrate their skills and cooperate in achieving genuinely excellent environmental performance in buildings.


Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Skills and ability

At the end of the studio the student shall demonstrate the ability to: 
- collaborate in a design process, defining a specific professional contribution in a project group
- investigate, visualize and communicate the performance of a building concerning energy efficiency, environmental impacts, indoor climate and economy
- combine design with investigation

At the end of the studio the student shall demonstrate skills in:
- describing and analyzing the main features of sustainable buildings
- visualizing technical challenges and a variety of technical solutions
- using a diverse range of tools and strategies in order to promote the design of integrated systems for healthy indoor climate and resource efficiency on a larger scale.

Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of the studio the student shall demonstrate:
- understanding of the different implications of design for sustainable architecture
- broad understanding of various and diverse approaches to resource efficiency
- insight into particular disciplinary frameworks commonly used in sustainable design projects.


Content

The concept of sustainable building is introduced, both as principles and as chosen elements in design assignments. The students are trained to carry out design for sustainable architecture, integrating environmental, functional, technical, aesthetical and economic qualities in a project.
Passive- and active design strategies are presented related to different definitions of sustainable building. Three main approaches give structure to the design work: 
1. Climate and Buildings 
2. Design strategies which promote the interplay and future of environmental, material and human resources
3. Details, performance and economy in architecture

The design assignment consists of delivering a complete design documentation in which architects cooperate in groups. The tasks are defined in a program delivered in connection with the course start. The visual presentation of technical requirements  and technical solutions is central in all deliveries as a mean to communicate the issues of sustanable building between professional groups and to a larger public.

Organisation

The studio runs full-time and is project- and design oriented. Staff-led lectures define the framework, background and knowledge base. Analysis, synthesis and application of the material introduced in the lectures are achieved through professional- and staff-led workshops, group and one-to-one tutorials, student-led seminars, case studies and practical design work in the project. 
For further information about admission and registration, please contact the Student Centre.

Literature

Literature will be discussed and the assignments will be distributed in connection with the course start 


Examination including compulsory elements

In order to obtain a pass in this studio the student is expected to attend the compulsory modules. Final grading will be given to the teams. Further, the following requirements must be fulfilled: a) Deliveries of design tasks that pass each assessment from teachers and guest critics; b) Delivery of the final rapport; and finally c) Active participation in presentations and exhibitions. 

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.

The course syllabus contains changes

  • Changes to course rounds:
    • 2022-11-02: Max number of participants Max number of participants changed from 23 to 20 by UBS
      [Course round 1]