This module provides you with the opportunity to engage critically with contemporary technology in architecture, and formulate a set of design strategies for reducing the environmental impact associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of buildings. This module runs concurrently to the design module ARCH7004, in which students focus on the concept stage of their architectural design project.
The module focuses on two areas of technology, (a) building construction, and (b) sustainable environmental design. Within the area of building construction will acquire knowledge of the properties of different materials, structural engineering solutions and construction systems. Moreover, you will also develop the ability to assess the impact of such choices, looking embodied carbon, resource efficiency and the building life-cycle, on the choice of materials and the design of structures and construction systems. In the areas of environmental design, you address questions energy efficiency, lighting, acoustics, ventilation, climate control, alongside questions of comfort, health and fire safety. These will be evaluated against different building standards, which in addition to the legal minimum set by building regulations, includes the cutting-edge standards within the industry.
You will develop technical design strategy that is underpinned by critical research. In addition to reviewing relevant technical literature, you will undertake a critical examination of the use of chosen technologies in existing buildings through case studies. The final output will be an illustrated technical report, in which you will outline your theoretical strategy for achieving a sustainable approach to building construction and environmental design.
Lecture: 8 hours
Workshop: 24 hours
Autumn, Spring or Summer
These assessments have been designed to be accessible in-line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
In this module student work undergoes two forms of assessments. The first is an oral presentation of a proposal for their technical study and research. Undertaken within the first three weeks of the term, this assignment allows students to receive critical feedback on the design of their proposed study, and utilise this feedback to inform the subsequent development of the technical study. The final output will be an illustrated technical report, in which students outline their fully developed theoretical strategy for a sustainable approach to construction and environmental design.
Written
Technical Report - An illustrated technical report, outlining a technological strategy for their design project (2,500 words). Worth 80%.
Practical
Presentation - A review of design for technical study: oral presentation with visuals (15 minutes). Worth 20%.
Reassessment methods
Single Instrument 100% Written (Technical Report)
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) Critically evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to complex architectural designs and building construction, and to integrate these into practicable design proposals.
2) Understand the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems.
3) Prepare technical design solutions that will meet building user's requirements and comply with UK legislation, appropriate standards, and fire and life safety requirements.
4) Acquired knowledge of iterative and evidence-based approaches to design, and its application in the design of construction systems, material specification and structural solutions.
5) Critically evaluate the environmental impacts of technical design choices over lifecycle of a project, and device strategies for reducing them in the context of new buildings and the adaptation of existing buildings.
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