Since the performance of a building will depend largely on its context, this module will introduce the fundamental principles and analytical techniques used in...

Since the performance of a building will depend largely on its context, this module will introduce the fundamental principles and analytical techniques used in building engineering related to the local urban environment. Field experiments, wind tunnel experiments and computational fluid dynamics [CFD] will be used as tools / methods informing the structural and environmental aspects of building design. A key feature of this module is a scenario week: students will be taught the principles and practice of surveying through lectures and practicals, and undertake a series of environmental monitoring tasks and site analysis using mapping, air quality, light and noise monitoring. A modelling task will be undertaken by applying CFD analysis to the proposed building development and in support of this coursework the students will be introduced to the fundamentals of wind engineering, wind driven rain, the effect of wind on comfort, and air, noise and light pollution. Alongside the development of practical skills, the students will submit an Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] Report [CW]. Students will be also introduced to examples of urban phenomena that have a signifciant impact on building performance including heat islands and ecosystems; microclimate, ecosystems and energy; and climate change.

This module is based around the production of an original research project either in the form of a standard M-Level entirely written dissertation or else...

This module is based around the production of an original research project either in the form of a standard M-Level entirely written dissertation or else though a major design project submitted in portfolio format. Students can also choose to produce various other kinds of hybrid submission, subject to agreement with the module leader, and this might include film-making, documentaries, artworks, gallery installations, digital scripting, etc. All submissions however must contain a substantial piece of written text that explains the theoretical investigation and analysis of the particular subject in question, although the word length will be reduced accordingly for the design-based or practice-based submissions on the basis there is a sizeable amount of other work that is deemed to meet part of the requirement for dissertation word length.

Students will be asked to plan out their research work and define the format of their final submission, whether that is as a written dissertation or project portfolio, and this will be done repeatedly from the early stages of the module through to the final submission. The aim of the module is for students to be able to produce a unique, individual piece of research work which has a clear emphasis on the examination of historic architectural and urban contexts, as well as on the role of design, theorisation, implementation and management on how the existing building fabric can be creatively reinterpreted and reused, whether through refurbished or new-build elements, etc.