Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 1
Code ARCH111
Coordinator Professor S Sharples
Architecture
Steve.Sharples@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce the principles of environment science.

To introduce aspects of climatically responsive architecture, and lighting of buildings.

To give students an understanding of the role of a building as a modifier of climate with reference to traditional climatically responsive architecture, and the role of buildings in the context of global energy usage.

To introduce design approaches based upon passive techniques for achieving efficient thermal performance of buildings.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To classify the factors which determine human thermal comfort. This module has been mapped against the RIBA validation criteria GC9.

(LO2) To demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of climatic conditions to building design

(LO3) To identify the role of building fabric and ventilation in the modification of climatic conditions by buildings and be able to carry out simple calculations relating to heat loss from buildings

(LO4) To describe solar geometry and its importance in building design

(LO5) To interpret the nature of daylight in buildings and simple daylight assessment techniques

(S1) To sketch a low carbon design strategy for a studio design project based on the knowledge acquired from the lectures.


Syllabus

 

The environmental impact of buildings – energy, climate change, water, pollution and waste.

The importance of sustainable architectural design in reducing environmental impacts.

Low and zero carbon energy technologies.

Sustainable architecture – case studies.

Climatic data for building design.

Climatic influences on traditional architectural design around the world.

Solar principles.

Wind impacts on buildings.

Microclimate and site planning.

Basic principles of thermal comfort.

Heat transfer in buildings; the U-value concept; calculating the U-values of building components.

Fabric and ventilation design energy losses; the Building Regulations Part L, the scope and limitations of the Regulations.

The role of thermal mass in building thermal performance; passive solar design.

Condensation problems in buildings – principles, problems and solutions.

Lighting terminology - illuminance , luminance, reflectance, units.

Human responses to natural light.

The sky as a source of light; prediction and measurement of skylight.

Sunlight protection Daylight and architecture; design of windows.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

          24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 126
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1: 24 hour, digital take-home exam. There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2 examination period    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
The assignment would be a poster type submission showing the environmental strategy of a studio design project. There is a resit opportunity.    20       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.