course-details-portlet

AAR4695

Innovation in Built Environment: Theory, Practice, and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Portfolio

About

About the course

Course content

This course aims to equip master's students in architecture and engineering programs with a comprehensive understanding of innovation theory and its application in the built environment, engineering, real estate, and sustainable practices. Students will engage in both theoretical studies and hands-on projects to collaboratively develop innovative solutions.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of this course, students will have knowledge about:

- Key innovation theories and their relevance to the built environment.

- Historical context and pivotal innovations in built environment evolution.

- Multidisciplinary aspects of innovation in the built environment.

- The intersection of sustainable practices and built environment innovation.

Skills

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

- Analyze and apply various innovation theories to built environment contexts.

- Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions.

- Utilize generative AI tools to explore architectural design possibilities.

- Understanding the innovation process of a product or solution and the road to market

Learning methods and activities

The course utilizes a combination of lectures, workshops, guest lectures, group discussions, and hands-on projects to engage students actively in the learning process. Teaching materials and communication will be available through the university's online platform.

This course is offered to incoming exchange students/international master and will be taught in English.

Further on evaluation

The course assessment is designed to evaluate both individual understanding and collaborative innovation skills:

  • Group Innovative Project: Multidisciplinary teams create and present an innovative concept, showcasing collaborative skills and interdisciplinary knowledge.
  • Individual Paper on Innovation Theory: Students submit a paper exploring innovation theories and their application to the built environment.
  • Reflective Journal: Regular reflections on personal growth and insights throughout the course.

The postponed exam will be scheduled for the next regular exam period for those who failed or have documented valid absence.

Required previous knowledge

Completed at least 3 years basic courses in architecture, Bachelor in Architecture or equivalent.

Course materials

Required Readings

- Brown, T. (2008). Design thinking. Harvard Business Review, 86(6), 84-92.

- Christensen, C. M. (1997). The innovator's dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail. Harvard Business Review Press.

- Kelley, T., & Kelley, D. (2013). Creative confidence: Unleashing the creative potential within us all. Crown Business.

- West, G. (2017). Scale: The universal laws of growth, innovation, sustainability, and the pace of life in organisms, cities, economies, and companies. Penguin.

Subject areas

  • Architecture

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Architecture and Technology

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Portfolio
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Portfolio
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Spring 2026

Portfolio
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment