Start semester
40 515 High-Density, Climate-Adapted Urban Housing
Emnenavn på Norwegian Bokmål:
High-Density, Climate-Adapted Urban Housing
Credits:
24
Course code:
40 515
Level of study:
Master
Teaching semester:
2017 Autumn
Assessment semester:
2017 Autumn
Language of instruction:
English
Year:
2017
Maximum number of students:
15
Person in charge
Sissil Morseth Gromholt
Required prerequisite knowledge
Preliminary skills in 3D CAD drawing is advisory, but not compulsory. It is desirable that part of the group have some knowledge of Rhino/Grasshopper or similar, hence students with skills in the field are encouraged to apply.
Course content
The course will offer an investigation 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 benefits of solar access to optimize energy harvesting and quality in urban housing. Exact calculations given by climatic data will continuously be subject to qualitative and intuitive investigations based on the quick crafts of the hand. An idealistic and innovative approach merges with a commercial scenario, on a real site in Oslo, and within the current planning regime.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
- of reducing the ecological footprint of architecture
- of optimizing architectural design to a specific contextual and climatic situation
- of what tools are available to assist the design of sustainable and climate-adapted architecture
- of the role of materials in a climatically informed design
- of the stages, tools, rules and actors at play in an urban housing development
- of best-practice examples of high-density urban housing and
- of best-practice climatically informed architecture
Skills:
- To ensure the “right to sun” by making and using a “solar envelope” according to Ralph Knowles
- To use simple 3D CAD modeling in the conceptual development of a neighborhood
- To 3D print models for use both as sketch-models, analysis and presentation models
- To use 2D projection drawing as a tool for planning housing and housing units
- To refine techniques for communicative visual presentations
Competence:
- To develop a sustainable conceptual design
- To plan and design high-density housing
- To make and argue for decisions on sustainability and architectural quality
- To realize the sustainable design through form, materials and details
- To develop a position to the questions of sustainability and architectural quality
Working and learning activities
Pedagogy:
The learning approach is project-based. The students develop architectural projects, with tasks given and advised by the staff. Lectures and workshops focusing on selected themes will contribute to knowledge and skills relevant for the project.
The course will include (preliminary plan):
- Introductory tasks that generate a common knowledge base for the studio
- Introductory masterplan competition focusing on context and climate, groups of 3-5 students
- 3D printing workshop
- Workshop on tools and methods for climatic analysis and design adaption
- Main task: Work in couples or individual on sub-projects within the masterplan
- Weekly tutoring in the studio
- Lectures by staff and invited architects and specialists
- Study trip to a European city
- Perspective/presentation workshop
- Public reviews
| Form of assessment | Grouping | Grading scale | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio assessment (Vurderingsmappe) | Individual | Pass / fail |