Start semester
40 521 Breathing House - high-density housing with natural climatization
Bachelor in architecture
The course offers insight into available techniques to inform, design and communicate architecture and area developments with a sustainable ecological footprint. Based on an integrated understanding of our natural and built environment, we will this semester particularly explore the advantages of natural ventilation and natural materials to optimize ecological performance and quality in housing. The studio encourages both qualitative and quantitative evaluations and investigations. 3D printing and advanced computing are paired with quick sketches and manual models. An idealistic and innovative approach merges with a commercial scenario, on a real site in Oslo, and within the current planning regime.
The learning approach is project-based. The students develop architectural projects, with tasks given and supervised by the staff. Lectures and workshops focusing on selected themes will contribute to knowledge and skills relevant for the project.
Knowledge
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of design of high-density housing
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of climatization strategies based on natural or hybrid ventilation and a near zero energy demand.
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of the role of materials in indoor climate performance
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of planning with timber as a design parameter
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of best-practice examples of natural or hybrid climatization.
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of best-practice examples of high-density urban housing
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of best-practice examples of wooden housing
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of architectural concepts / patterns /typologies shown to be successful for the specific task
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of reducing the ecological footprint of architecture
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of optimizing architectural design to a specific contextual and climatic situation
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of what tools are available to assist the design of sustainable and climate-adapted architecture
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of the role of materials in a climatically informed design
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of best-practice climatically informed architecture
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of how different structural systems and building-materials, interact with relevant architectural strategies.
Skills:
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To critically engage in a development of a climatization strategy for housing.
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To use 3D computer aided design in the conceptual development and evaluation of architecture
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To 3D print models as part of architectural exploration and documentation.
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To use 2D projection drawing as a tool for planning housing and housing units
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To choose and perform techniques for communicative visual and oral presentations
General Competence:
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To develop a sustainable conceptual design
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To plan and design high-density housing
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To make and argue for decisions on sustainability and architectural quality
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To realize the sustainable design through form, materials and details
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To develop a position to the questions of sustainability and architectural quality
The course will include (preliminary plan):
- Introductory tasks that generate a common knowledge base for the studio
- Main task: Work in groups or individually on 1-3 given sites
- Tutoring in the studio
- Lectures and workshops by staff and invited architects and specialists
- Study trip to a European city
- Plenary reviews
| Form of assessment | Grouping | Grading scale | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio assessment (Vurderingsmappe) | - | Pass / fail | The portfolio assessment consists of subtasks and a main project. There will be several subtasks w/presentaions throughout the semester. The subtasks must be delivered and approved before the main project can be assessed. The main project can be done individually or in groups of two students. |
| Workload activity | Comment |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Participation and attendance in lectures, supervision at the desks in the studio, seminars and workshops is expected. |
| Excursion |