Academics / Courses / DescriptionsCIV_ENV 388-2: Building Science II
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Prerequisites
CIV_ENV 388-1Description
The course is the second of a two-part series focusing on Building Science. In this course, students
apply the fundamental concepts taught in the first Building Science course to design a sustainable
microarchitecture, integrating new concepts about occupants' comfort, well-being, and health. The
goal of the design is to optimize design features such as orientation, building materials, openings, and
shadings to guarantee the highest thermal and visual comfort to the occupants with the least energy
consumption. Quantitative calculations related to energy consumption and visual and thermal
parameters are conducted with the help of computer software presented in the practical sessions.
Theoretical lectures introduce the four indoor environmental factors affecting occupants' comfort
inside buildings - thermal, visual, acoustic, and indoor air quality – and biophilic concepts.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the indoor environmental parameters for occupant comfort
- Describe sustainable solutions for energy-efficient and comfortable design
- Optimize a design based on trade-offs between energy and comfort aspects
- Work in a group to iterate design
- Actively participate in design critiques
- Present a final project to a potential client motivating design choices
Suggested Textbook:
DeKay, Mark, and G. Z. Brown. Sun, wind, and light: architectural design strategies. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. (Available at Northwestern library)
Syllabus