COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc in Sustainable Architecture: Evaluation and Design develops advanced knowledge of how buildings and urban environments can be designed, assessed, and improved to meet net zero and climate resilience goals. The program focuses on net zero building technologies, exploring strategies to reduce energy demand through building form, design details, and configuration, alongside the integration of renewable energy systems. Students also study embodied carbon and the physics of building performance to understand how construction impacts environmental outcomes. Building performance evaluation is a key component, involving the assessment of real buildings through data collection such as energy use, temperature, lighting, acoustics, and occupant satisfaction, helping students connect technical performance with human experience. Climate-sensitive urban development examines how microclimates, infrastructure, and sustainability principles such as transport, water, energy, and natural resources shape urban design, often through collaborative, practice-based projects. Design and simulation modules introduce building performance modelling tools to test and adapt architectural strategies for future climate scenarios, including potential temperature increases and environmental change. The program culminates in a major research project where students apply theoretical and practical knowledge to an in-depth study, demonstrating skills in research design, analysis, ethics, and critical evaluation. Overall, the course prepares graduates to contribute to sustainable, energy-efficient, and climate-responsive architecture and urban design.