course-details-portlet

AAR4695

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

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

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.

Regular reflections on personal growth and insights throughout the course are to be collected in a Reflective Journal, which must be submitted and approved in order to gain access to the exam.

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

Compulsory assignments

  • Reflection diary

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. This assessment emphasizes collaborative skills and interdisciplinary knowledge.
    • The Group Innovative Project accounts for 50% of the final grade.
  • Individual paper on innovation theory: Each student develops an in-depth academic paper that explores innovation theories and their practical application within the built environment. This assessment emphasizes critical engagement with scholarly literature, analytical thinking, and the ability to connect theoretical concepts to real-world examples.
    • The Individual Paper accounts for 50% of the final grade.

A postponed examination is normally scheduled for the next examination period.

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: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

Group Assignment
Weighting 1/2 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Assignment
Weighting 1/2 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Spring 2027

Group Assignment
Weighting 1/2 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Assignment
Weighting 1/2 Exam system Inspera Assessment