Related:

The principal objectives of the course are to:

1. Introduce the basic concepts and principles of green building.

2. Explain the important issues and factors of sustainable architectural design.

3. Develop specific skills for the study and analysis of green buildings.

Course Content:

This course includes a combination of lectures, class discussions, site visits, feedback assignments and one individual project. The teaching/learning process will be supported by video presentations, Web-based resources and seminars. The detailed list of lecture/discussion topics is contained in the Course Schedule. The lectures provide the conceptual framework for the course and will be supplemented by assigned readings. Students are recommended to complete all the assigned readings on their own time so that questions which may arise can be discussed more fully. Students are expected to have a working understanding of the lecture and reading materials, whether they are present in class or not. Active class participation is expected and required.

Assignments

Students are required to submit assignments at the end of certain lectures. The purpose is to encourage you to: 1) absorb the information disseminated in class; 2) reflect on this information and consider how it may be applied in your philosophies and practices; and 3) articulate the outcome of these reflections in written form. Approximately four (4) assignments will be required over the course. Completion of the assignments will account for forty (40) percent of the final course grade.

Design Project

There will be one individual project to be completed over the course and it will comprise sixty (60) percent of the final course grade. The purpose of the project is to provide students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge to real world problems. The projects will also provide a chance for students to strengthen their general thinking, organizational, and written communication skills. Additional information about the nature and scope of the project will be provided over the course.

Assessment Method:

Assessment will be based on a continuous method through assignments and the design project.

(a) Assignments -- 40%.

(b) Individual design project -- 60%.

Submissions of assignments and design project should be punctual. Late submission may receive reduction in marks.

The lecturers will make every attempt to provide feedback on the student submissions, either written, electronically or orally. In addition, the lecturers will specify open office hours for student questions and consultations.

References:

The following are reference books and documents useful for the students in this course. Additional reference sources on the course topics will be provided over the course. Students may also find other information and Internet resources on the course website.

• AIA, 1994. Environmental Resource Guide, American Institute of Architects (AIA), Washington, D.C. [R 720.47 E61]
• European Commission, Directorate General XVII for Energy, 1999. A Green Vitruvius: Principles and Practice of Sustainable Architectural Design, James & James, London. [720.47 G79 E]
• Melet, Ed., 1999. Sustainable Architecture: Towards a Diverse Built Environment, NAI Publishers, Rotterdam. [720.47 M51]
• Mendler, S. and Odell, W., 2000. The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design, John Wiley & Sons, New York. [720.47 M53]
• RAIA, 1995. BDP Environment Design Guide, Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA), Red Hill, A.C.T. [720.47 E61 R v.1 & v.2]
• Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Green Building Design, Construction and Operations, Public Technology, Inc., Washington, D.C., 1996. [721.0467 S964]