The RIBA and ARB consider competencies in sustainability critical for the development of the architectural profession. In this module you will develop a critical understanding of current theories of sustainability, covering social, environmental and economic aspects, and also how to situate the built environment within the wider context of sustainable development on regional, national and international level. Running with the concurrently taught design module, this module allows you to apply these theories to a studio-based design projects at an urban scale, focusing on questions of environmental sustainability. In this context students will develop the ability to pursue an evidence-based approach to design, utilising methods and tools that allow the critical assessment of the environmental performance of a design at different stages of its development. Using these tools, you will investigate the impact of design choices on energy consumption, carbon emissions or the microclimate within buildings and in outdoors spaces between buildings, and its implications for health and thermal comfort.
Lecture: 8 hours
Workshop: 24 hours
Autumn, Spring or Summer
Practical
Presentation - Oral review of strategy and proposal words (10 minutes). Worth 30%.
Written
Design portfolio - An illustrated portfolio with a reflective journal. Worth 70%.
Reassessment methods
Single Instrument 100% Written (Design Portfolio)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Develop a critical understanding of the general concept of sustainability, covering social, environmental and economic aspects, and its applications within the design of the built environment.
2) Demonstrate an advanced understanding of principles of sustainable environmental design (e.g. cooling, heating, lighting, ventilation and energy conservation), and their application in architecture and urban design.
3) Demonstrate familiarity with iterative and evidence-based approaches, including the application of specialist methods and tools for environmental analysis at different stages of design.
4) Develop solutions that reduce environmental impact associated with the operation of buildings, taking into account modern legislation*as well as best practice of low-energy design.
5) Devise strategies for climate resilience, including measures for the protection of buildings and people against the risks of fire, flooding, extreme temperatures and wind conditions.
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