Course content

This course is a prerequisite for and supports and underpins the course AAR4616 and the specialization area Integrated Energy Design within the Master program in Sustainable Architecture. AAR4926 can also be taken as a stand-alone course or as a supporting theory course for the AAR4680 Circular Studio - Tradition and conservation.

The course encompasses theory on design and documentation of net Zero Emission Buildings with focus on integrated energy design and use of renewable energy. It includes building integration of heating, cooling and ventilation systems that meet comfort needs and building integration of renewable energy systems with emphasis on solar energy harvesting. Introduction to design and evaluation tools and integrated design methodology with focus on cooperation between architects and engineers.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The course scope has a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of building energy systems while including interaction with engineering and architectural domains. The course objective is to provide knowledge on fundamentals and principles in the following areas:

• Thermal comfort and indoor environment
• Ventilation systems
• Heating and cooling systems
• Energy generation systems
• Building performance simulation
• Interdependences of building energy systems and architecture.

Skills

The students will develop the following skills in relation to the concepts and strategies for sustainable building projects:

• Identify suitable active and passive approaches in relation to building energy systems
• Analyse the design performance of the selected approaches.
• Use the principles and methods to analyse and document the effective energy use, indoor environment, and utilization of renewable energy in buildings.

General competence

The students will acquire basic competence needed to participate in interdisciplinary design projects with focus on effective energy use and renewable energy systems in buildings to deliver comfort and architectural quality through integrated solutions.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures on theory and methods, with the support of design examples; exercises and presentations; discussions.

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

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

To take this course, you must be enrolled in one of the following programs:

• Architecture (MAAR5)
• Architecture (MAAR2)
• Sustainable Architecture (MSSUSARC)

AAR4926 can also be taken as a stand-alone course or as a supporting theory course for the Circular Studio.

Students must have passed Climate and Built Form Theory (AAR4832) or have equivalent knowledge of climate adapted design strategies and operational energy analysis.

Exchange students have to fulfil the same requirements as for the enrollment in one of the study programs MAAR5, MAAR2, MSSUSARC.

Course materials

Case studies; research articles and other literature; lecture notes