Module manager: Justin Lunn
Email: tbc
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module develops students knowledge and understanding of materials, structures and their use as systems in building design, as well as environmental control technologies and the strategies and systems which provide protection from external conditions as well as internal comfort, with reference to sustainable design.
The module will contribute to the students' gaining knowledge of physical problems and technologies and the function of buildings so as to provide them with safe and resilient materials and structures; as well as internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate. The module will explore the principles associated with designing construction systems including structures and construction detailing; internal comfort including thermal, lighting and acoustic principles in the context of building design projects.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
ARB Outcomes shown in curved brackets (xxx)
1. How diverse global, cultural, social, technological, economic factors and building technology influence aspects of architecture and urban design (CK1 part)
2. The principles of climate change and biodiversity as relevant to design and construction (CK4 part)
3. The principles of building construction, services, structure, materials use, assembly and manufacture (CK5 part)
4. The principles of building physics and environmental design (CK6 part)
5. The principles required to ensure that buildings are safe to construct, inhabit, use and maintain, refurbish, re-use and deconstruct (CK7 part)
6. Understand strategies for structure, construction technology, materials, services, ventilation, thermal environment and lighting and acoustics that are appropriate to a project’s brief and context. (D5 part)
7. Understand the implications and benefits of regenerative design solutions and ethical sourcing and supply chains throughout the life cycle of architectural projects that meet or go beyond minimum standards. (D9)
8. Understand appropriate digital systems for creating, modelling, processing, presenting, and sharing design, building and project information (D12 part), understanding how modelling and post occupancy evaluation inform design (RE6)
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
a. Academic skills in collection, analysis evaluation and synthesis of data sources.
b. Ability to apply technical knowledge to creative processes
c. Digital skills to assemble, collate and organise information in technical and graphic communication
d. Identification of key issues within a diverse range of options and ability to make informed choices
e. Team and individual working showing initiative and collaboration in a shared environment
Students will confirm and extend existing knowledge of technical issues associated with building design as applicable to construction projects. This will include strategic and conceptual approaches to building structures, materials, environmental control systems and construction processes. Factors affecting design and impacts on the environment will be included to allow the development of a sustainable design ethos.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Lecture | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 122 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Interaction in lecture sessions. Tutorial sessions and practical exercises.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2025
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