MScSustainable Refurbishment

Year one

Core modules

Building Information Management

Through this module you will investigate the changing nature of building projects and teams and how traditional methods of information, and their management are failing to meet information requirements to maximize value of investment in built assets.

Sustainable Building - Strategies and Assessment

During this module you'll examine the role of architectural design and the current trends of building standards and benchmarks that influence a building's efficiency during its whole life cycle. You'll gain an insight into the roles of different professionals in shaping the way the built environment responds to economic, social, and environmental global challenges. You'll also cover the principles of environmental assessment methods of buildings in the UK and internationally, how and when to use these methods, and their appropriateness to different design schemes.

Sustainable Refurbishment Analysis

In this module, you'll understand the theories, standards and CIBSE guides which define net-zero sustainable refurbishment of existing building. You'll learn about the challenges and opportunities driving the agenda for sustainable refurbishment of existing buildings while acquiring skills to analyse various building systems and components to optimize solutions for net zero sustainable refurbishment. You'll also acquire knowledge and practical skills to analyse the interactions between building fabric, building services, and building users and select solutions which ensure outcomes for net zero sustainable refurbishment are realised and maintained during building operations.

Sustainable Refurbishment Project

The aim of this module is to give you the opportunity to apply sustainable design principles on, where possible, a live refurbishment project. It will enable you to demonstrate understanding of how the design methods and tools can change the function, space planning, and performance of an existing building and affect its usability and environmental impact. Passive and active design principles of sustainable refurbishment will be developed through the design and detailing stages of the project. Typically, you will use ‘real-world’ and/or client-led scenarios to devise, present and justify coherent sustainable strategies that form an integral part of the refurbishment design, construction and operation of buildings.

Optional modules

Research Dissertation

This module asks you as a design researcher to reflect on and establish a research framework and set of skills needed for conducting your research dissertation and you will be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of the industrial context where your initial research is aligned with from the early stages of the module. You will be given lectures and seminars to help establish your understanding of up to date research skills, theories on how to aquire knowledge and skills to be able to communicate complex research information for an academic audience.

Design Project

The Design Project provides an opportunity to pursue independent lines of enquiry over an extended time frame. You will demonstrate your ability to systematically develop a sustainable design solution in response to a complex brief; pursue a coherent line of investigation; and undertake a range of complex design-based investigations leading to a comprehensive visual, written and oral presentation.