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2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CIVE1165 Architecture and Sustainability

20 creditsClass Size: 175

Module manager: Dr Louise Fletcher
Email: L.A.Fletcher@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Admission to UG programmes in the School of Civil Engineering

Module replaces

CIVE1160 Architecture and Environment

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is centred on an introduction to architecture and the sustainability of building projects. In semester 1, students carry out a building analysis project and learn about architectural history and theory, building systems, and the roles and responsibilities in a design team. In semester 2, students work in teams to understand sustainability and analyse the impacts of a building proposal on climate change, energy resources, water, waste, economic development and wider societal issues.

Objectives

This module has the following objectives:

-To introduce students to the history, theories and cultural context of architecture and the built environment, and the impact of the built environment on people and society.
-To learn the fundamental aspects of construction technology and materials, architectural expression, and structural and functional requirements as an evolving dynamic relationship.
-To develop an awareness of sustainability principles and an understanding of environmental and societal impacts, mitigating strategies, and their implications for design.
-To introduce students to the ways in which investigation and analysis are used and applied to an efficient communication with stakeholders.
-To develop key practical skills, such as: hand sketching, graphic composition, sustainability appraisals, report writing and effective presentations.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes (contributing to the AHEP4 learning outcomes between brackets and ARB competences between square brackets):

1. Apply a knowledge of natural sciences and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. (C1/M1)
2. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards. (C5/M5)
3. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems. (C6/M6)
4. Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct. (C8/M8)
5. Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights. (C15/M15)
6. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team, exercising leadership, effective communication and personal responsibility. Evaluate own and team performance. Resource, Resource, plan, implement and record project tasks to achieve stated goals, either individually or within a team. (C16/M16) [PE3, M10]
7. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used. (C17/M17)
8. Understand how diverse global, cultural, social, technological, economic factors and building technology influence aspects of architecture and urban design. [CK1]
9. Develop an awareness of the role of architects and engineers in society, the design team and the construction industry. [CK2]
10. Understand the principles and relevance of social sustainability, social value and inclusive design. [CK3]
11. Understand the principles of climate change and biodiversity as relevant to design and construction. [CK4]
12. Gain knowledge of the principles of building physics and environmental design. [CK6]
13. Develop the ability to locate, evaluate and apply relevant legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and policies related to the development of the built environment. [RE4]
14. Locate and evaluate evidence that may be incomplete or contradictory, critically evaluating the quality of knowledge sources, making judgements and drawing appropriate conclusions that can inform architectural practice. [RE5]
15. Recognise the responsibilities and duties of care that architects & engineers have towards their clients, users, the public and those with whom they work. [PE6]

In addition, Students completing this module will have gained the knowledge, understanding, skills or abilities that contribute to achieving the following ARB General Criteria for Part 1:

- develop a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrates and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a building and the technical requirements of its construction and the needs of the user. GC1.3
- the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings; GC2.1
- the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC2.2
- the needs and aspirations of building users; GC5.1
- the impact of buildings on the environment, GC5.2a
- the precepts of sustainable design. GC5.2b.
- the nature of professionalism and the duties and responsibilities of architects to clients, building users, constructors, co-professionals and the wider society; GC6.1.
- the role of the architect within the design team and construction industry, recognising the importance of current methods and trends in the construction of the built environment; GC6.2.
- the potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities. GC6.3

Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

a. Effective team working/collaboration
b. Creativity
c. Effective communication
d. Information searching
e. Hand sketching
f. Graphic composition
g. Critical evaluation of building form
h. Research methods for architectural precedent
i. Sustainability appraisal
j. Environmental and social impact assessment
k. Stakeholder mapping.


Syllabus

-ARCHITECTURE: Introduction to architectural theory; Overview of architectural history; Interaction of technology, society, and architectural expression; Control of the internal environment and its influence on architectural aesthetics; Introduction to construction materials and structural forms; The role and professional responsibilities of architects and designers; Design risks and health and safety.

-SUSTAINABILITY: Introduction to sustainability; Sustainability appraisal of construction projects; Assessment methodologies and tools; Climate emergency and the built environment; Energy; Resources and waste; Water; Ecology and biodiversity; Economic impacts; Social impacts.

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

3 x Coursework
1 x In-class test

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Supervision11.501.50
Lectures321.0032.00
seminars71.007.00
Independent online learning hours20.00
Private study hours139.50
Total Contact hours40.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative assessment at workshops will provide feedback to improve quality of summative assessment.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 30/04/2024

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