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Erwin Heurkens, Martijn Vos, Hilde Remøy, Gerard van Bortel, and Jelle Koolwijk

Do you have a passion for buildings and want to contribute to a sustainable environment? Then this is your chance to make a difference! The biggest sustainability challenge for cities worldwide is adapting existing obsolescent buildings and making them future-proof. In this course, you will learn about adapting buildings for sustainability.

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Do you have a passion for buildings and want to contribute to a sustainable environment? Then this is your chance to make a difference! The biggest sustainability challenge for cities worldwide is adapting existing obsolescent buildings and making them future-proof. In this course, you will learn about adapting buildings for sustainability.

This course first introduces you to the challenging management task of redeveloping buildings for future use. Then you will learn how different management tools can be used to convert old buildings for sustainable reuse.

Prior experience with studies or jobs related to the built environment is not essential for this course, but will be a great advantage.

This MOOC is especially relevant for students who are interested in Real Estate, Project Management, Urban Planning, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, and Sustainability.

The course is taught by a multi-disciplinary team of instructors and professors with relevant practical and theoretical experience. You can use the practical knowledge you obtain during this course to tackle many challenges related to the built environment.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand building adaptation management as a cyclical process;
  • Identify various sustainability challenges that occur in building adaptations;
  • Distinguish between multiple actor perspectives and interests related to building adaptation;
  • Apply project management tools that assist in making decisions about building adaptation;
  • Translate design concepts into practical solutions for sustainable building adaptation.

Syllabus

Week 1: Managing building adaptation processesIntroduction to building adaptation, the sustainability and managerial challenges involved, the cyclical development process of real estate, and need for management tools.
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Week 2: Urban development managementIntroduction to urban development management, dealing with contextual issues for building adaptation, such as sustainability policies, real estate markets and location opportunities.
Week 3: Adaptive reuse managementIntroduction to the phenomenon of adaptive reuse, focusing on re-design concepts, highest-and-best-use proposals, and financial viability of transformation.
Week 4 Construction and project managementIntroduction to construction and project management, dealing with realising adaption plans, making use of organisational structures and smart planning methods.
Week 5: Housing transformation managementIntroduction to housing transformation management, including asset management, maintenance and operations, user preferences, and energy efficiency measures.
Week 6: Recap of managing building adaptationConclusion and reflection on lessons learned about managing building adaptation, and the applicability and transferability of results to other institutional contexts.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Appeals to learners interested in broadening their set of professional skills
Taught by instructors with significant experience managing building adaptations and practical theoretical experience in sustainability
Covers construction and project management theory, housing transformation management, urban development management, adaptive reuse management, and managing building adaptation processes
Knowledge and skills from this course prepare learners to meet sustainability challenges
Offers a cyclical process understanding of building adaptation management
Provides a foundation of various actor perspectives and interests concerning building adaptations

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Managing Building Adaptation: A Sustainable Approach with these activities:
Review foundational knowledge of environmental engineering
Most of the topics within this course build on techniques from environmental engineering. Reviewing these concepts can reduce the risk of knowledge gaps that can hurt your learning later.
Browse courses on Environmental Engineering
Show steps
  • Review textbooks
  • Take practice quizzes
  • Summarize key concepts
Join a study group with other learners
Discussing course material and working on assignments with peers can help you understand different perspectives and reinforce your learning.
Show steps
  • Find a group of learners to study with
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule
  • Discuss course material and work on assignments together
Develop a sustainable design plan
Working on a real-world design project will provide you with valuable practical experience that complements the theoretical concepts discussed in the course.
Browse courses on Sustainable Design
Show steps
  • Identify a building or space for renovation
  • Research sustainable design principles
  • Develop a design concept
  • Create detailed plans and specifications
  • Present your design to stakeholders
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on sustainable building adaptation
Attending a workshop will provide you with an opportunity to learn from experts in the field and network with other professionals.
Show steps
  • Find a workshop to attend
  • Register for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop
Participate in a sustainable building design competition
Participating in a competition will provide you with an opportunity to apply the concepts you learn in the course and receive feedback from experts in the field.
Show steps
  • Find a competition to participate in
  • Develop a design concept
  • Create detailed plans and specifications
  • Submit your design
  • Receive feedback and make revisions
Mentor a less experienced learner
Mentoring others can help you reinforce your understanding of the course material and improve your communication skills.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Find a learner to mentor
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule
  • Discuss course material and work on assignments together
Write a research paper on a sustainable building adaptation topic
Researching and writing about a topic related to sustainable building adaptation will enhance your understanding of the subject matter and allow you to apply the concepts discussed in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a research topic
  • Conduct literature review
  • Develop a research question and hypothesis
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Write and submit your paper
Contribute to an open-source project related to sustainable building adaptation
Contributing to an open-source project will give you hands-on experience with the practical applications of sustainable building adaptation and connect you with a community of professionals.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project to contribute to
  • Identify an area where you can make a contribution
  • Contribute your code, documentation, or other resources

Career center

Learners who complete Managing Building Adaptation: A Sustainable Approach will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and closure of projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop project plans, and manage project risks. This course would be very helpful for Project Managers as it provides a comprehensive overview of project management. They can learn how to apply project management tools to assist in making decisions about building adaptation.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations reduce their environmental impact and promote social responsibility. They develop and implement sustainability strategies and provide advice on sustainable practices. This course would be very helpful for Sustainability Consultants as it provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable building practices. They can learn how to identify sustainability challenges and translate design concepts into practical solutions.
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developers acquire, develop, and manage real estate properties. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to design and build new buildings or redevelop existing ones. This course would be very helpful for Real Estate Developers as it provides a comprehensive overview of building adaptation management. They can learn how to make decisions about building adaptation and how to translate design concepts into practical solutions.
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings and make recommendations for improvements. They work with building owners and managers to develop and implement energy conservation measures. This course would be helpful for Energy Auditors as it provides an overview of building adaptation management. They can learn how to identify sustainability challenges and translate design concepts into practical solutions.
Architect
Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They work with clients to develop design concepts and then create detailed plans and specifications. This course would be helpful for Architects as it provides an overview of building adaptation management. They can learn how to identify sustainability challenges and translate design concepts into practical solutions.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers help companies understand and implement sustainability practices. They develop and execute plans to reduce environmental impact and promote social responsibility. This course would be helpful for Sustainability Managers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable building practices. They can learn how to identify sustainability challenges and translate design concepts into practical solutions.
Facility Manager
Facility Managers oversee the operation and maintenance of buildings and other facilities. They work with building owners and managers to develop and implement maintenance plans and ensure that buildings are safe and efficient. This course would be helpful for Facility Managers as it provides an overview of building adaptation management. They can learn how to manage the challenges of adapting buildings for future use.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and infrastructure projects. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course would be helpful for Construction Managers as it provides an overview of construction and project management. They can learn how to manage the challenges of adapting buildings for future use.
Property Manager
Property Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of residential and commercial properties. They work with tenants to collect rent, maintain the property, and enforce lease agreements. This course would be helpful for Property Managers as it provides an overview of building adaptation management. They can learn how to manage the challenges of adapting buildings for future use.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and oversee the construction of environmental systems, such as water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, and air pollution control systems. They work with architects, contractors, and other engineers to ensure that projects are completed safely and efficiently. This course would be helpful for Environmental Engineers as it provides an overview of construction and project management. They can learn how to manage the challenges of adapting buildings for future use.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and oversee the construction of electrical systems, such as lighting, power distribution, and communication systems. They work with architects, contractors, and other engineers to ensure that projects are completed safely and efficiently. This course would be helpful for Electrical Engineers as it provides an overview of construction and project management. They can learn how to manage the challenges of adapting buildings for future use.
Building Inspector
Building Inspectors ensure that buildings comply with building codes and safety regulations. They inspect buildings during construction and after completion to identify any potential hazards. This course would be helpful for Building Inspectors as it provides an overview of building adaptation management. They can learn how to identify sustainability challenges and translate design concepts into practical solutions.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and supervise the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They work with architects, contractors, and other engineers to ensure that projects are completed safely and efficiently. This course would be helpful for Civil Engineers as it provides an overview of construction and project management. They can learn how to manage the challenges of adapting buildings for future use.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and oversee the construction of mechanical systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They work with architects, contractors, and other engineers to ensure that projects are completed safely and efficiently. This course would be helpful for Mechanical Engineers as it provides an overview of construction and project management. They can learn how to manage the challenges of adapting buildings for future use.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop plans for the use of land and buildings in cities and towns. They consider factors such as population growth, economic development, and environmental sustainability. This course would be may be useful for Urban Planners as it provides an overview of building adaptation management. They can learn how to manage the challenges of adapting buildings for future use.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Managing Building Adaptation: A Sustainable Approach.
Provides a practical guide to sustainable building design. It covers the key principles of sustainable design, as well as the specific techniques and technologies that can be used to create sustainable buildings.
Provides a critical overview of urban sustainability in the Global South. It covers the key challenges and opportunities facing cities in the developing world, as well as the policies and practices that can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Provides a comprehensive overview of green building principles and practices. Useful as a reference for professionals involved in building design and construction.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable urban development. It covers the key challenges and opportunities facing cities in the 21st century, as well as the policies and practices that can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of sustainable development. It covers the key theoretical and practical issues involved in creating sustainable development.
Provides a practical guide to environmental impact assessment. It covers the key steps involved in conducting an environmental impact assessment, as well as the legal and policy requirements that must be met.
Provides practical guidance on energy-efficient building design and retrofit. Useful as a reference for architects, engineers, and building owners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of environmental law. It covers the key legal principles that apply to environmental protection, as well as the major environmental statutes and regulations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of public administration. It covers the key concepts and theories of public administration, as well as the comparative analysis of public administration systems in different countries.
Provides a comprehensive overview of local government. It covers the key political, administrative, and financial issues that local governments face.
Provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities of sustainable urban development. Helpful for understanding the policy context of building adaptation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of construction project management. It covers the key steps involved in managing a construction project, from planning and design to construction and completion.

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