ECMM153 - Conceptual Design of Buildings (2023)

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MODULE TITLEConceptual Design of Buildings CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECMM153 MODULE CONVENERProf Maria Rosaria Marsico (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 weeks 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module discusses principles governing the conceptual design of buildings and their implementation in engineering practice. In particular, you will know about form and functionality, actions on buildings, structural design of tall buildings, sustainability and passive buildings, construction and demolition, resilience of buildings, operation and performance tracking.

You will have the opportunity to examine case studies among others the exotic shape of the Transamerica Pyramid (San Francisco), the revolutionary cell apartments Unité d'Habitation (France), the unusual plan distribution of luxury apartment block (Berlin), the energy efficient Shard London Bridge, and to discuss and implement principles of conceptual design in practical applications.

AIMS - intentions of the module

To provide you with knowledge of fundamental aspects of conceptual design of buildings and implementation in engineering practice.

Lecturers will cover a number of topics including:

  • form and functionality;
  • actions on buildings;
  • sustainability of buildings;
  • construction and operation;
  • resilience and maintainability.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Perform conceptual design of buildings, including architectural design, actions, construction and maintenance;
2. Use and apply principles of conceptual design of buildings: loads and plans distribution, use and reuse of materials, construction methods, and their application in engineering practice.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

3. Evaluate how design actions, sustainability, reliability, operation and maintenance affect conceptual design;
4. Address client needs and optimise structural performance.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

5. Work in a team;
6. Illustrate effective creativity and communication skills using a variety of commonly available media and techniques;
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Form and function of buildings: tall buildings, apartment block, floor distribution, offices, students apartment;

Actions on buildings;

RIBA Plan;

Passive Design and Sustainability;

Materials: recycle and reuse;

Operation and maintenance of buildings;

Case studies.
 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40.00 Guided Independent Study 110.00 Placement / Study Abroad 0.00
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 Lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 8 Tutorials with individual support
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 10 Participative group case study exercises to stimulate discussion and provide student feedback
Guided independent study 110 Carrying out Individual assignments, preparing group seminar, watching videos, reading and research

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
There will be opportunities to reflect on and review work undertaken towards assessed Coursework     Discussion with Tutorials
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written coursework on real case study (in group) 30 Up to 10 pages 1-6 Paper marked and returned
Examination 70 2 hours - January Exam  2,3,4 Mark Returned
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
All Above Examination (100% - 2 hours) All Referral/deferral period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 50%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN Search
Set Milais M Building Structures: from Concept to Design Spon Press 2005 041336236 [Library]
Set Sarkisian, M Designing Tall Buildings: Structure as Architecture Routledge 978-041589480 [Library]
Set Allen E, Iano J Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods 6th 978-1-118-13891 [Library]
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10 July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 05 October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Functionality, seismic load, wind load, tall buildings, sustainability, passive design of buildings, , dynamics of buildings, RIBA Plan