Formulate and critically evaluate comparative approaches for effective sustainable design in the context of given project, following from “master plan to detailed design” approach.

Module Title: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN ANALYSIS AND SIMULATION

Assignment Title: Building Simulation Study

Introduction

This assignment can be related to the building of your choice. You will demonstrate proficiency in analysis of sustainable designs using building simulation software, in areas as diverse as whole building energy analysis to the aspects of thermal, solar, acoustic, visual impact and lighting studies aspects. You will also be expected to critically reflect on the analysis findings, interpret the results within their theoretical and sustainable assessment context and demonstrate this in your submission.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, the student should be able to:-

1. Formulate and critically evaluate comparative approaches for effective sustainable design in the context of given project, following from “master plan to detailed design” approach.

2. Undertake simulation and critically appraise performance of proposed low energy design methodologies, exploring different scenarios.

3. Critically evaluate and theoretically contextualize how well a building attains low carbon, reflecting upon the key sustainability indicators as given in codes of practice.

The Brief

An individual portfolio based submission, based on an in depth building case study of your choice critically analysing and evaluating sustainable design. You will be expected to critically reflect on the sustainable design methodologies employed, focussing on the potential for low energy design, with thoroughly researched evaluation leading to a summary and conclusions. Suitable computer-aided sustainable design simulation software will be employed to quantify and back up your findings.

Reading Material

Note: Both essential and recommended reading is intentionally consisted of expanded collection of references. You do not need to read them all, but you do have to undertake research to familiarise yourself with their content so that you can decide which one you will need to read further in relation to your project. You also have to develop a culture of regular visits to Learning Centre to browse through the latest issues of journals and magazines as listed below. In the light of this, you also will need to consult other relevant journals, magazines, books as recommended by lecturers and/or researched by you in relation to your project.

Recommended Reading

Books

McDowell, S., Krygiel , E. and Nies, B. (2008),’Green BIM: Successful Sustainable Design with Building Information Modeling’, Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Bonan, G. (2008), ‘Ecological Climatology: Concepts and Applications’, Cambridge University Press.
Szokolay,S. (2008), Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design’, Elsevier Ltd.
BRE (2008), Sustainability Through Planning, IHS BRE Press.
Hall, K. (2008),’The Green Building Bible’, Green Building Press, 3rd Ed., Volumes 1 and 2.
Baker, N.V. (2009). A Handbook of Sustainable Refurbishment: Non-Domestic Buildings. Earthscan.
Miller,F., Vandome, A. and McBrewster, J. (2009), ’Passive Solar Building Design: Passive solar building design, Sun path, Building insulation, Daylighting, Solar water heating, Passive house, Solar energy, Low-energy house, Zero-energy building’, Alphascript Publishing.
Jones, P. (2008). Thermal Environment. In Metric Handbook-Planning and Design Data. Third Edition. Architectural Press.
Anderson, J (2008) The Green Guide to specification: an environmental profiling system for building materials and components. Wiley. 3rd ed (EBL)
Halliday, S (2008) Sustainable construction. Butterworth-Heinemann (EBL)

Online Databases, Journals & Websites:
Construction Information Services
Building
Architectural Review
Architects’ Journal
Solar Architecture
Materials for Architectural Design
Building Services Journal
Detail and other architectural periodicals
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/sustainability
Proceedings of Eco-Architecture and Design and Nature conferences 2008 and 2010
International Journal of Architectural Science
Green Building Specifications http://www.greenspec.co.uk/
EULEB (European Low Energy Buildings) www.euleb.info/
IDEA database which includes 60 building case studies
http://nesa1.uni-siegen.de/wwwextern/idea/main.htm
PROBE (Post-occupancy Review of Buildings and their Engineering) case studies at:
www.usable buildings.co.uk/
www.met office.gov.uk/climate change/
The European Database of Daylight and Solar Radiation www.satel-light.com/core.htm
BRECSU Best Practice Programme Energy Consumption Guides

Detail and other architectural periodicals
www.architects journal.co.uk/sustainability
Proceedings of Eco-Architecture and Design and Nature conferences 2008 and 2010
International Journal of Architectural Science
Green Building Specifications http://www.greenspec.co.uk/
EULEB (European Low Energy Buildings) www.euleb.info/
IDEA database which includes 60 building case studies
http://nesa1.uni-siegen.de/wwwextern/idea/main.htm
PROBE (Post-occupancy Review of Buildings and their Engineering) case studies at:
www.usable buildings.co.uk/
www.met office.gov.uk/climate change/
The European Database of Daylight and Solar Radiation www.satel-light.com/core.htm
BRECSU Best Practice Programme Energy Consumption Guides

Use of CAD software:
There are many CAD dedicated computers available for you to use. They are all loaded with same image and have all the software you need, so please do not put the pressure on one lab alone.

Submission Requirements

This is an individual A3 portfolio based submission (max 4000 words excluding the Figures and Appendices), requiring you to undertake building simulation related to your integrated project proposal or other of your own choosing. You will be expected to demonstrate not only knowledge and understanding of building simulation software, but to critically reflect on the sustainable design methodologies employed, focussing on the potential for low energy design. The submission will consist of following:

1) Sustainable Design and Building Simulation Analysis (70%)
Using design proposal for your building, undertake necessary modelling and simulation to produce:

 Series of sketches and precedent research depicting sustainable design strategy and services integration for your building
 Building Suncast Shadow Studies, Shading Design, Internal Sun Penetration
 Daylight/Artificial Light visual simulation study for a chosen part of building interior space
 Other visual impact studies
 Thermal Analysis of a part of your building as agreed with lecturer
 Environmental Cost Impact Analysis
 Green Building Studio Analysis

2) A3 Portfolio (30%)
Around 14 to 16 A3 sheets, covering analysis of the topics above. Portfolio is to be backed up with the images of your building simulation and contain appropriate discussion and conclusions on the results of building simulation analysis carried out in Point 1. Additionally, reference to relevant regulations, standards and codes of practice is expected. It is important that you choose your own method of sustainable appraisal (e.g. BREEAM, CfSH or PassivHaus), undertake provisional assessment using their technical guidance and establish how the building simulation results and the assessment findings did inform your design decisions. At the end, you need to come up with thoroughly researched evaluation leading to a summary and conclusions.

Note:
During the discussion of appropriate building simulation brief the lecturer will fully take into account the individual character of your design proposals. To that extent, some parts of requirements under points 1) and 2) are negotiable.

The completed assignment should be submitted in the format of A3 portfolio. Original Ecotect file and screen captures of all GBS analysis, together with the digital version of produced booklet are to be submitted on the CD or USB stick.

Please ensure that you have a backup digital copy of your work.

Final Submission
Submission will be consisted of no less than 10 A3 per booklet. All work is to be submitted in digital format too (on CD or USB stick by scanning in your work if done by hand or supplying original .psd / jpeg files if done in the Photoshop).

Submission Date

See front sheet. The assignment must be handed in to the Student Information Centre on or before the date of submission. Late submission will be penalised.

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Grades for Level 7 of The Regulatory Framework for Postgraduate Taught Programmes will be used. All grades given for assignment work are provisional until confirmed or otherwise by the relevant examinations board.

Performance Criteria

DISTINCTION (70 – 100%)
The student will have demonstrated a thorough and critical understanding of the sustainable building design simulation and exhibited ability to evaluate and critically reflect upon the sustainable design analysis, technical research and codes for assessment in relation to chosen building. In the submission there will be an extensive references and illustrations to amplify the analysis and evaluation and clear evidence of the independent research informing their simulation. The quality of produced portfolio is expected to be of professional standard with all conventions observed.

MERIT (60 – 69%)
The student will have demonstrated a sound understanding of the topic areas researched and exhibited ability to evaluate and reflect upon the sustainable design analysis, technical research and codes for assessment in relation to chosen building. There will be appropriate references and illustrations to amplify the analysis and evaluation and evidence of independent research informing their simulation results. The quality of produced portfolio is expected to be of a very good standard with all conventions observed.

PASS GOOD (50 – 59%)
The student will have demonstrated a reasonable understanding of the topic areas researched and exhibited certain ability to critically evaluate and reflect upon the sustainable design analysis, technical research and codes for assessment in relation to chosen building. There will be appropriate references and illustrations to amplify the analysis and evaluation and evidence of research informing their project. The quality of produced portfolio is expected to be of a good standard with most of conventions observed.

PASS SATISFACTORY (40 – 49%)
The student will have demonstrated a variable understanding of the topic areas researched and exhibited only partial ability to critically evaluate and reflect upon the sustainable design analysis, technical research and codes for assessment in relation to chosen building. There will be some references and illustrations to amplify the analysis and evaluation and evidence of independent research informing their project. The quality of produced portfolio is expected to be of a satisfactory standard with evidence of conventions observed.

FAIL (1 – 39%)
The student will have demonstrated a little or no understanding of the topic areas researched and exhibited very limited ability to critically evaluate and reflect upon the sustainable design analysis, technical research and codes for assessment in relation to chosen building. There will be little references and illustrations to amplify the analysis and evaluation and evidence of independent research informing their project. The quality of produced portfolio would be of a not satisfactory standard.