Course syllabus

Klimatsmart arkitektur och urban design
Climate Smart Architecture and Urban Design

ABAN15, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2012/13
Decided by: Education Board 3
Date of Decision: 2012-04-20

General Information

Elective for: A4, MSUD1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of the course is to give students the possibility to explore how an adequate design of buildings and groups of buildings can minimize negative impact on the climate. It also aims at supporting students´ learning on how the built environment in different climates is affected by the microclimate, vegetation, orientation etc. Moreover the aim is to highlight the impact of people's attitude and behaviour towards climate and energy issues.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

show in-depth understanding of the relationship between energy use and climate impact;
demonstrate knowledge on how the built environment affect wind, solar radiation and temperature conditions in urban environments;
demonstrate knowledge about factors which affect thermal comfort indoors and outdoors;
demonstrate knowledge about factors which affect day lighting and energy use for lighting in buildings;
be aware of how a climate smart design of buildings can minimize the need for heating and cooling and facilitate maximum use of renewable energy;
be able to formulate criteria for climate conscious and sustainable architecture.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

show the ability to take existing climate conditions into account when planning and designing buildings;
show the ability to use tools and models for climate conscious design of new buildings and improved energy efficiency of existing buildings;
show the ability to propose climate smart architectonic and urban design which results in a reduction in negative environmental impact;
show the ability to formulate criteria for a climate conscious and sustainable architectonic design.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

demonstrate a critical, independent, creative and innovative attitude to questions regarding climate, energy and architectonic design;
demonstrate an understanding of how architecture and urban design can support people’s sustainable everyday choices about energy use and transport.

The course deals with the relation between the built environment and climate issues on micro and macro level as well as their relation to energy use. Through creative assignments it highlights and develops the potential of renewable energy use such as solar heating, solar electricity and wind power. Using architectural tools the students will also investigate how innovative and creative urban design solutions can contribute to minimized energy use for transport and prevent negative climate impact.

Examination details

Grading scale: UG
Assessment: Approved project assignments and at least 80% attendance at lectures, seminars, supervised exercises and other scheduled activities.

Admission

Admission requirements:

At least three years approved full time education at university level (or a Bachelor degree) in architecture, urban design, or the equivalent

The number of participants is limited to: No
The course might be cancelled: If the number of applicants is less than 10.
The course overlaps following course/s: ABA002

Reading list

Literature will be available through a digital course library, which will be updated annually, as well as the reference literature below.
BRE: Climate and site development. Part 2: Influence of microclimate. Building Research Establishment 1990. ISBN: 0-85125-429-2.
BRE: Climate and site development. Part 3: Improving microclimate through design. Building Research Establishment 1990. ISBN: 0-85125-430-6.
BROWN, G.Z., (2001), Mark DeKAY, Sun, Wind and Light : Architectural design stratégies, second edition, John Wiley and Sons Inc, New York.
Emmanuel, M R (2005): An Urban Approach to Climate-Sensitive Design. Spon Press. ISBN: 0-415-33410-1.
Gehl, J (2001): Life Between Buildings – Using Public Space. The Danish Architectural Press.
Givoni, B (1998): Climate Considerations in Building and Urban Design. Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN: 0-442-00991-7.
Glaumann, M, Westerberg, U (1988): Klimatplanering Vind. Svensk Byggtjänst, Stockholm. ISBN: 91-7332-371-3.
Johansson, E (2006): Urban Design and Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Warm Climates, Studies in Fez and Colombo. Housing Development & Management, Lund University. ISBN: 91-87866-27-7.
Lechner N (2001). Heating, cooling, lighting: Design methods for architects. Second Edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons inc. 620 pages.
Roaf, S, Crichton, D, Nicol, F (2005). Adapting Buildings and Cities for Climate Change. A 21st century survival guide. Architectural Press, Oxford, UK. ISBN 0-7506-5911-4.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Erik Johansson, erik.johansson@hdm.lth.se
Course coordinator: Bitr. univ.lektor Catharina Sternudd och, catharina.sternudd@arkitektur.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.hdm.lth.se
Further information: The course is recommended for the master programme Sustainable Urban Design.

Klimatsmart arkitektur och urban design Climate Smart Architecture and Urban Design