MSc in Sustainable Architecture Studies
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The MSc in Sustainable Architecture Studies (MSc SAS) combines social and technical aspects of sustainable architecture through an interdisciplinary approach. The programme focuses on exploring sustainability through design with dedicated studio modules. Lecturers and supervisors have expertise in low energy design, retrofit, lighting, modelling, building performance, parametric design and renewable materials. The programme is driven by an ethos of global stewardship and positive regeneration to transform the built environment for a more equitable future. In 2015-2016 the MSc SAS attracted students from China, Brazil, Cyprus, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and the United Kingdom.
Our “Radical Transformation” studio was lead by Aidan Hoggard and taught by Sofie Pelsmakers and Sam Broughman, where we focused on Radical Urban Planning, Transformational Retrofit and Resilient Housing. The studio sought to foster an awareness of the relationship between global environmental change and the construction and inhabitation of buildings. The modules introduced students to a range of approaches in sustainable architectural design, and encouraged students to work iteratively in developing a critical stance in relation to theories of sustainable architecture and to discover their own approach and way of working. Students are supported in this process with a mix of seminars, lectures, (group) tutorials, group discussion and team work, field trips and workshops. The Radical Urban Planning and Transformational Retrofit group carried out a detailed, critical analysis of the 2030 Challenge website, including the 2030 Palette and its interface within Climate Consultant. In collaboration with Studio Landscape + Urbanism the students researched a wide range of topics and issues that are critical to the Sheaf Valley area. A priority was placed on the implications of spatial complexity and precision of working on urban and building sites.
The Resilient Housing studio considered radical fabric improvements and architectural transformations of existing housing, using infra-red surveys, the PassivHaus Planning Package (PHPP) and DesignPH software to understand building performance. Radical transformations included fabric performance and building aesthetics whilst considering the impact on occupant’s health and well-being. Existing buildings and proposed design changes were iteratively tested in current and future predicted climate conditions. The students initially proposed the radical transformation of one single family-dwelling and later up-scaled this to a street or city-block. Throughout the year students on the course actively attended conferences and events across the country. At Timber Expo in Birmingham students were exposed to and inspired by some of the latest developments and applications of timber. Many projects later in the year researched and developed these themes to a high level of detail.
Students were encouraged to participate in a field trip to Hill Holt Woods and Nottingham University within the framework of the Materials module and a visit to EcoBuild in London. Furthermore, a trip to Switzerland was organised in February: students visited Zurich, Lucerne and Basel where they studied examples of sustainable architecture and urban designs. Each day, in small groups they acted as “sustainability consultants”, identifying problems and proposing solutions for a selection of buildings they visited.
A number of programme specific modules deliver research led teaching and support the design studios across a range of sustainability areas, knowledge and skills. From winter onwards, students develop their own research through either a written or design-based thesis project. This substantial piece of work is supported by supervision from experts in the field within the school and students are assigned to specific staff research groups, choosing from a wide range of topics
Aidan Hoggard
Sofie Pelsmakers
Prof. Fionn Stevenson
Aidan Hoggard
Dr Chengzhi Peng
Prof Fionn Stevenson
Prof Jian Kang
Dr Jo Lintonbon
Dr Mark Meagher
Sam Broughman
Sofie Pelsmakers
Dr Tsung-Hsien Wang
Dr Teresa Hoskyns
Aiman Rashid
Deborah Cobbett
Dr. Gavin Harper
Dr. Kayla Friedman
Liam Bullingham
Dr. Magda Sibley
Paul Testa
Thabs Molobi Cain
Dave Edwards
Our “Radical Transformation” studio was lead by Aidan Hoggard and taught by Sofie Pelsmakers and Sam Broughman, where we focused on Radical Urban Planning, Transformational Retrofit and Resilient Housing. The studio sought to foster an awareness of the relationship between global environmental change and the construction and inhabitation of buildings. The modules introduced students to a range of approaches in sustainable architectural design, and encouraged students to work iteratively in developing a critical stance in relation to theories of sustainable architecture and to discover their own approach and way of working. Students are supported in this process with a mix of seminars, lectures, (group) tutorials, group discussion and team work, field trips and workshops. The Radical Urban Planning and Transformational Retrofit group carried out a detailed, critical analysis of the 2030 Challenge website, including the 2030 Palette and its interface within Climate Consultant. In collaboration with Studio Landscape + Urbanism the students researched a wide range of topics and issues that are critical to the Sheaf Valley area. A priority was placed on the implications of spatial complexity and precision of working on urban and building sites.
The Resilient Housing studio considered radical fabric improvements and architectural transformations of existing housing, using infra-red surveys, the PassivHaus Planning Package (PHPP) and DesignPH software to understand building performance. Radical transformations included fabric performance and building aesthetics whilst considering the impact on occupant’s health and well-being. Existing buildings and proposed design changes were iteratively tested in current and future predicted climate conditions. The students initially proposed the radical transformation of one single family-dwelling and later up-scaled this to a street or city-block. Throughout the year students on the course actively attended conferences and events across the country. At Timber Expo in Birmingham students were exposed to and inspired by some of the latest developments and applications of timber. Many projects later in the year researched and developed these themes to a high level of detail.
Students were encouraged to participate in a field trip to Hill Holt Woods and Nottingham University within the framework of the Materials module and a visit to EcoBuild in London. Furthermore, a trip to Switzerland was organised in February: students visited Zurich, Lucerne and Basel where they studied examples of sustainable architecture and urban designs. Each day, in small groups they acted as “sustainability consultants”, identifying problems and proposing solutions for a selection of buildings they visited.
A number of programme specific modules deliver research led teaching and support the design studios across a range of sustainability areas, knowledge and skills. From winter onwards, students develop their own research through either a written or design-based thesis project. This substantial piece of work is supported by supervision from experts in the field within the school and students are assigned to specific staff research groups, choosing from a wide range of topics
Programme Leaders
Aidan Hoggard
Sofie Pelsmakers
Professorial oversight
Prof. Fionn Stevenson
Module Co-ordinators and Studio Tutors
Aidan Hoggard
Dr Chengzhi Peng
Prof Fionn Stevenson
Prof Jian Kang
Dr Jo Lintonbon
Dr Mark Meagher
Sam Broughman
Sofie Pelsmakers
Dr Tsung-Hsien Wang
Dr Teresa Hoskyns
Guests
Aiman Rashid
Deborah Cobbett
Dr. Gavin Harper
Dr. Kayla Friedman
Liam Bullingham
Dr. Magda Sibley
Paul Testa
Thabs Molobi Cain
Dave Edwards