Course content

This course focuses on project work in interdisciplinary teams. The students apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the theory course AAR4817 to a design project. The design project is coordinated with Circular Studio AAR4690 and can have mixed teams from both courses.

The course examines in a research-based design process how materials, existing buildings structures, the environment and society intersect, and how the reuse, and creative reimagination of what already exists can shape a holistic approach to sustainability across ecological, social, cultural, and aesthetic dimensions.

In an emissions driven design process students work with existing buildings and develop design proposals. Various alternatives and scenarios are considered, such as a combination of demolition and new building(s), reuse of materials from on-site or elsewhere, and/or adaptive reuse and supplementary buildings with the goal of achieving circularity. LCA calculations accompany the design process, and the results support decision making.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• Recognize materials not only for their aesthetic qualities and physical properties but also in relation to their potential for environmental performance and impact on the environment
• Identify and test building design strategies and material choices optimizing concept, form and construction towards reduced material emissions.
• Understand the importance of various design choices and their impact on the embedded emissions of the design.

Skills:

• Investigate existing buildings and their material value
• Develop circularity concepts for buildings
• Understand and use LCA of buildings to inform the design process, base architectural design on material emissions.

• Use relevant methods and tools for the design and documentation of minimizing embedded emissions of buildings.

General competence:

• Participate in and lead interdisciplinary design teams with focus on low embedded emissions and circularity of high-quality buildings

Learning methods and activities

Design studio guidance; computer labs; project presentations and discussions with teachers, external professionals and classmates. Site visits.

Studio based learning: Students are expected to be physically present and available to the team for the majority of the ‘working day hours’ when prescribed.

Conduct a project report with architectural design representations, including physical and digital models, documentation of and reflections on the LCA guidance of the design process.

This course is offered to international master's students. Language of instruction is English.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Students should have taken Climate and Built Form Theory (AAR4832) and Design (AAR4532) or have equivalent knowledge of climate adapted design strategies, operational energy analysis, and experience with interdisciplinary project work.

Required previous knowledge

Students taking this design course AAR4546, also need to take the theory course AAR4817.

Exchange students have to fulfil the same requirements as for the enrollment in one of the study programs MAAR, MAAR2, MSSUSARC.

Course materials

Project brief; illustrative examples;

LCA calculation software