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Sustainability in Architecture

An Interdisciplinary Introduction

Javier Orozco-Messana, Elena de la Poza-Plaza, Dai Morgan, Naoko Ellis, Edmond Byrne, Kas Hemmes, and María Valles-Planells

This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to sustainabilityin Architecture. Learners will be introducedto the basic elements of sustainability assessments (first model layer), as well as trends informing the space today.

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This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to sustainabilityin Architecture. Learners will be introducedto the basic elements of sustainability assessments (first model layer), as well as trends informing the space today.

The coursework enables students to develop a conceptual neighborhood model for assessing performance and urban policies.

In the first week,participants willlearn todevelop a conceptual model from the architectural elements of buildings; the basic building blockof which will be theperformance of materials. The second weekexploresmethods of optimizing performance. Coursework willdetail the needs and constraints inherent in selecting materials and neighborhood urban elements (the second model layer for green, blue and grey infrastructure).

In the third week, learners will developthe basic tools for introducing energy and measuring the potential impact on climate change (CO2). A new layer (third) on our neighborhood stainability model, this will be approached from a global perspective. In the fourth and finalweek, the course will explore techniques for a joint assessment directly connected to policy issues.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to evaluate the sustainability performance of buildings from materials
  • Ways to assess energy use
  • How to account for use of urban infrastructure
  • How to create a neighborhoodmodel adequate for analysisand urban policy assessment

Syllabus

Week 1: Materials relevance in buildingsWeek 2: Buildings, performance, functions,and materialsWeek 3: Efficiency, sustainability,and architectureWeek 4: Integrated design and Business Models

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines sustainability in architecture and its impact
Provides step-by-step methods for assessing sustainability, useful for students and professionals
Provides a good grounding in selecting materials and assessing their performance on sustainability
Focuses on a conceptual neighborhood model to analyze performance, relevant for designing sustainable neighborhoods
Taught by reputable instructors in architecture with experience in sustainability
Requires students to develop a conceptual neighborhood model, allowing them to apply knowledge

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Reviews summary

Sustainability in architecture course

Learners say the Sustainability in Architecture course presents an introduction to sustainability with practical and educational value. However, it has some organizational issues and lack of clarity that could be improved.
practical knowledge, applicable to real-life scenarios
"The course was very good, I am an architecture student and learned a lot about sustainable development through this course, the teachers from upv and other schools were very clear in their explanations"
"Refreshing course ! Well planned and perfectly executed by an international skilled casting."
"I really learned a lot from this course and it helped me to have a wider understanding of sustainability, which I will definitely implement in my projects as an architect."
"As an architect I found this course very beneficial as an introduction to the sustainability field. It was definitely up to my expectations."
"This course has helped me so much! I've really learned a lot over the past few weeks and I can say that i'm very pleased with the materials required."
detailed content, technical lectures
"As an architecture student, I found this very helpful not only to apply it in architecture itself, but the whole understanding about sustainability itself."
"For me, it was quite educational specifically in two areas the Business Model for Climate Change Strategies and the Life Cycle Analysis, I wished to have some real-life examples related to both items in the course."
"I have learned lots of things from this course i.e. Sustainability in Architecture which will help me & my internal team members to plan the project in right direction. It really opens a new window to sustainability in architecture.."
"I'm currently an architecture student and I found this very helpful not only to apply it in architecture itself, but the whole understanding about sustainability itself."
"This course is excellent! it has given me a different way of thinking about architecture. it has given me a clear understanding of how Designers should strive to bring relevancy in their designs with regards to the well being of our planet and our lives."
engaging assignments, real-life examples
"I learned a lot! I think it will surely make a difference in my carrie as an architect."
"Interesting course! Especially the content of the 2 last modules (week 3 and 4) was highly informative."
"This course brings an important reflection about the sustainability and it gave us the opportunity of understanding the large integration between social, economic and enviromental issues in different process."
"I'm a last period student of the architecture career, and on this course, i've learned incredible stuff that i haven't heard about on my college."
"Excellent course. Many interesting concepts offered in a clear way. This experience has not only improved my knowledge of sustainability in the urban environment, but of overall sustainability on Earth as well. Thanks!"
poor structure, inconsistent information
"The course has key points to understand better sustainability but it is a very good introduction to it, I enjoyed the videos and made some very interesting notes."
"The individual lectures are good however there is not much relation between the lectures. This doesn't have a clear learning outcome after the course."
"Some of the videos are too long and boring. You can add some of the concepts at the beginning to make the course easier."
"This intermediate level course is too general without going in-depth into the topics. Some lectures are oddly specific while the rest are very superficial."
"The course is just a brief introduction to sustainability as a whole. It doesn't give any in-depth information on how to conduct analysis."
unrelated questions, confusing explanations
"The course seems to have all the questions in the wrong weeks. for example, I'll find a question in exam 1 that had nothing to do with the lectures of that week, and then see the subject of that question in the week 3... I think you need to reorganize the whole course so it can have coherence between the lectures and exams of each week."
"The course in general is very informative and interesting, but it can be sometimes confusing due to the poor english level of some lecturers and subsequent inaccurate subtitles."
"Needed more explaination and detailed pictures. More videos based explaining, where we can see the process happening. We can understand better with videos than picture presentation. Thankyou."
"I suggest for better subtitles since instructors are definitely not a native english speakers. and topics could be more discussed further."
"Questions where out of order Spanish speaker plus wrong subtitles created a barrier for learning and enjoying the course Not able to download videos' text exam questions different from video material"

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 Sustainability in Architecture: An Interdisciplinary Introduction with these activities:
Solve practice questions on energy efficiency calculations
Strengthen your understanding of energy efficiency principles and calculations through repeated practice.
Browse courses on Energy Efficiency
Show steps
  • Identify the relevant formulas and concepts.
  • Solve practice questions of varying difficulty levels.
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Presentation on Sustainable Building Materials
Enhance your understanding of sustainable building materials and develop effective communication skills by creating a presentation.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Research different types of sustainable building materials and their environmental benefits.
  • Create a presentation outline that covers the key points and evidence.
  • Design visually appealing slides and prepare a clear and engaging narrative.
Compile a digital library of sustainable architecture case studies
Expand your knowledge and gain inspiration by gathering examples of real-world sustainable architecture projects.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Research and identify notable sustainable architecture projects.
  • Collect relevant information, including project descriptions, images, and design strategies.
  • Organize the case studies in a digital library for easy reference.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Design a Low-Carbon Neighborhood Model
Apply the principles of sustainability and performance-based design to create a model of a neighborhood that minimizes carbon footprint.
Browse courses on Performance Assessment
Show steps
  • Identify the key design parameters and constraints.
  • Research and select appropriate sustainable materials and building systems.
  • Develop a neighborhood layout that optimizes energy efficiency and minimizes environmental impact.
  • Analyze the performance of the neighborhood model using simulation tools.
Review 'The Architecture of Green Cities'
Gain foundational knowledge on sustainability and the elements of Green Cities as defined by renowned architect Ken Yeang.
Show steps
  • Read the book chapters that focus on sustainability and architectural elements.
  • Identify the key concepts and theories presented in each chapter.
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words.
Contribute to open-source projects related to sustainable architecture
Apply your knowledge and skills to real-world projects while contributing to the broader sustainable architecture community.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects that align with your interests and skills.
  • Join the project community and explore ways to contribute.
  • Make meaningful contributions to the project, such as code development, documentation, or research.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainability in Architecture: An Interdisciplinary Introduction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architect
Architects plan and design buildings and other structures. They must consider the sustainability of their designs, including the materials used, the energy efficiency of the building, and the impact on the environment. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help architects make more informed decisions about their designs.
Architectural Drafter
Architectural drafters create technical drawings and plans for buildings and other structures. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to create designs that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help architectural drafters create more sustainable designs.
Building Inspector
Building inspectors ensure that buildings comply with building codes and regulations. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to ensure that buildings are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help building inspectors make more informed decisions about the buildings they inspect.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and water systems. They must consider the sustainability of their designs, including the materials used, the energy efficiency of the project, and the impact on the environment. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help civil engineers make more informed decisions about their designs.
Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to ensure that projects are built in a sustainable manner. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help construction managers make more informed decisions about the projects they manage.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to develop solutions that are environmentally friendly. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help environmental engineers develop more sustainable solutions.
Green Building Consultant
Green building consultants advise clients on how to make their buildings more sustainable. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in architecture in order to provide sound advice. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help green building consultants provide more informed advice to their clients.
Interior designer
Interior designers plan and design the interiors of buildings. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to create designs that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help interior designers create more sustainable designs.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design and plan outdoor spaces. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to create designs that are environmentally friendly and promote biodiversity. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help landscape architects create more sustainable designs.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design and build mechanical systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to design systems that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help mechanical engineers design more sustainable systems.
Planner
Planners develop plans for the use of land and resources. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to develop plans that promote sustainable development. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help planners develop more sustainable plans.
Project Manager
Project managers oversee the planning and execution of projects. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to ensure that projects are completed in a sustainable manner. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help project managers make more informed decisions about the projects they manage.
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help people buy and sell property. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to advise their clients on the sustainability of different properties. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help real estate agents provide more informed advice to their clients.
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability analysts evaluate the sustainability of organizations and products. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to make informed recommendations. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help sustainability analysts make more informed recommendations about the sustainability of buildings and other structures.
Urban Designer
Urban designers plan and design cities and towns. They must be familiar with the principles of sustainability in order to create designs that promote sustainable development. This course provides an overview of sustainability in architecture, which can help urban designers create more sustainable designs.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Sustainability in Architecture: An Interdisciplinary Introduction.
Widely used resource for selecting and applying green building materials. It is particularly useful in the course's first week and as a reference tool.
It is an excellent reference for methods and metrics for building performance analysis. It provides technical details that can enhance the course's second and third weeks' learning.
With a global perspective, this book presents a broad overview of sustainable architecture. It serves as a great introductory text to the course's first and second weeks' topics.
Takes a business perspective on green building concepts, relevant to the course's fourth week topic. It adds depth and practical insights to the coursework.
It textbook that offers a comprehensive overview of integrated sustainable building design principles and practices. It serves as a good supplemental resource for the entire course.
Provides comprehensive information on sustainable site materials, offering insights into the course's first week topic. It is particularly useful as a reference tool.
Discusses sustainable urban regeneration and various case studies. It can add depth to the course's fourth week and serve as a reference for practical examples.

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