Zero Carbon Buildings and Technologies

This module aims to introduce and extend the knowledge and skills of using data-driven technologies in design. It focuses on exploring and evaluating data in buildings and city modelling. It offers skills to improve the process of modelling, analysis and management of data-driven design in the built environment. It provides a critical awareness of new initiatives in information technology (IT) pertinent to the construction industry. It supports the effective use of data and tools to enhance learning in other modules in the course.

The content explores theoretical and practical approaches to understanding and evaluating the process for creating and managing information and the digital description of every aspect of the built asset.

Seminars provide software instruction for and introduce wider case studies through both research and application of the software, the module explores:

• Overview of theories, technologies, and processes of building and city information modelling.
• Introduction to computational thinking for solving design problems
• Newly emerging ideas and practices of designing with data
• Collecting data, descriptive statistics, and data plotting
• Information modelling and information management
• Visual programming/coding in the modelling and design
• Research Methods

This module aims to provide fundamental and progressive ideas in decarbonisation and complex design parameters that influence technical solutions. This module explores the application of building performance and simulation tools through data-informed design to understand how the function of a building can be optimised. It will encourage specialisation, autonomy and critical thinking of environmental performance in buildings, via digital modelling, simulation and testing.

The module introduces the discipline of net-zero design through performance and optimisation. It covers both theoretical and practical approaches for understanding and evaluating the efficiency of environmental design. The content explores environmental architecture via specialist research and modelling of the indoor environment, to test, analyse and improve building performance, with a core focus on carbon emissions, energy efficiency and occupant health and comfort. Outcomes are optimised through digital experimentation and an evidence-informed approach using data technologies.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Net-zero carbon buildings and renewable energy technologies
• Climate emergency design and human comfort
• Evaluation methods of indoor environmental quality
• Carbon emissions and energy performance in buildings
• Experimentation and modelling using data optimisation and validation
• Data analytics to visualise and improve building performance
• Post occupancy evaluation, occupant satisfaction, health and comfort
• Innovation and originality in environmental architecture
• The role of testing, analysis and prototyping in technical research
• Experimental research methods

Alongside this, all students have the opportunity to undertake Carbon Literacy certification and could complete a short period of work experience related to the methods/techniques studied (30-40 hrs).

The module provides knowledge and understanding of professional Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Owner/Operations (AECO) sector education and practice in the UK. It focuses on how effective management of people and processes may future proof practice for the benefit of clients and building users. It investigates and analyses case studies to propose effective strategies for increasing productivity. It demonstrates the importance of change thinking and change management for zero carbon construction.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Introduction to the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Owner/Operations (AECO) sector
• The regulatory framework for professional practice in the UK
• The role of Professional Statutory Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) in professional education and practice
• Concepts of whole project/building life cycle
• Collaboration theory and practice between all parties
• Project, Construction, Practice, and Information Management: methodologies, processes, and protocols
• Risk and Total Quality Management (TQM)
• Introduction to research methodologies in the Built Environment
• Future-proofing the AECO sector
• Exemplary case studies of practice Research and Development (R&D) in management
• Feasibility studies in terms of costs and buildability
• Principles of contingencies/ risk allowance
• Sustainable costing and construction
• Project and site management methodology
• Complex construction methods
• Reporting progress of works
• Problem solving skills
• Risk Management and Dispute resolution methods
• Practice-based research

Alongside this, all students also have the opportunity to undertake Carbon Literacy certification and can complete a short period of work experience related to the methods/techniques studied (30-40 hrs).

The module aims to enable an individual student to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project, involving a critical, evaluative or creative approach to an aspect of practice or design. This module is mandatory for students wishing to achieve the award of MSc. The output, a dissertation or artefact, complies with the University’s requirements for the award of Masters degrees and with the description of MA/ MSc awards by the Quality Assurance Agency for England and Wales.

The subject matter of the major project will relate to the relevant award. Cross-disciplinary and cross-professional major projects are also acceptable and welcome. You will be expected to take advantage of all forms of academic and professional media relevant to their specialist subject.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Project aims, objectives and purpose
• Reviews of theory and of existing studies, precedents and examples as appropriate
• A statement of research methods and methodology, including design methods where appropriate
• The execution of relevant data collection, management, presentation and analysis
• Construction of knowledge, including construction of an innovative technical or artistic proposal

Where creative work is involved, this will be informed by and related to the theoretical aspects of the project.

The research projects will be based on real technical problems that exist in the industry. The approach of the module is to develop the concept of Research and Development (R&D) such as fundamental research, feasibility studies, industrial research and experimental development.

Module Aim:  

This module introduces environmental concepts and strategies of sustainable retrofitting and fabrication within the context of technical and environmental architecture to promote a forward-looking and holistic approach to construction technologies. It provides a historical, theoretical and practical framework for you to investigate current and future methods of making and retrofitting buildings. It will inspire you to develop, test, evaluate and justify technical design processes and proposals.

The module follows the development of climate emergency design in academia and current architectural practice. The content focuses on learning technical solutions and digital design methodologies for retrofitting and fabrication. A key aspect of the module will be the analysis of precedent and current industry practice.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Processes of sustainable retrofitting and technical design
• Emerging ideas and practices of retrofitting and construction technologies
• Retrofit performance evaluation
• Building envelope optimisation
• Planning for effective, sustainable retrofitting implementation and technology
• Introduction and theory of design for fabrication
• Materials for fabrication and construction of components and systems
• Research methodologies for retrofitting and fabrication
• Precedent and industry analysis