Handbook

This course introduces students to the design strategies and scientific understanding needed to minimise buildings’ impact on natural resources and the environment. It includes life-cycle thinking in architectural design, a history of environmental design concepts in architecture, understanding and responding to climate, design innovation, solar architecture, building fabric performance and wind, ventilation and cooling. In completing the course, students will master the basic techniques to reduce building-related carbon emissions and enhance human comfort through climate-sensitive design. In addition, they will gain the ability to analyse climatic and geomorphological context to optimise building design for sun, temperature, wind, human metabolism and perception.