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ARCT30150

Academic Year 2025/2026

Architecture & Environment II (ARCT30150)

Subject:
Architecture
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Architecture, Plan & Env Pol
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Paul Kenny
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module aims to deepen students' understanding of sustainable building design principles through collaborative, interdisciplinary engagement. By working with research-active colleagues from diverse fields, students will critically explore the complex interplay between sustainable design and key aspects of architectural theory and practice. The module will foster innovative design thinking, encourage a research-led approach to sustainability, and provide a theoretical framework to support concurrent studio design projects.

The module will be structured around four short-duration projects (3 weeks each), each developed in collaboration with a research-active colleague from a related discipline. Each project will involve:

- An introductory lecture/workshop led by the module co-ordinator and a collaborating researcher.
- Defined design briefs requiring students to integrate research insights into conceptual or early-stage design proposals.
- Opportunities for critical feedback and discussion with both architectural and collaborating faculty.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Analyse and articulate the multifaceted relationship between sustainable building design and various architectural theories and design approaches.
- Apply interdisciplinary research insights to inform and develop sustainable design solutions.
- Collaborate effectively with specialists to integrate diverse perspectives into design problem-solving.
- Critically evaluate the social, cultural, environmental, and economic impacts of design decisions within a sustainable framework.
- Communicate complex design ideas and research findings clearly and persuasively through various media.
- Synthesise theoretical knowledge and practical application to enhance studio design work with a sustainable design focus.

Indicative Module Content:

The module will explore the close relationship between architectural design and active research initiatives on-going within the School, including but not limited to:
- Human comfort, sensory and perceptual design
- Landscape, urban and resilient design
- Architecture and material design
- Reuse, repurposing and regeneration

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

16
Small Group

8
Tutorial

16
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will employ a blend of interactive teaching and learning methods including:
- Lectures & Guest Seminars: Delivered by module faculty and collaborating researchers.
- Workshops: Practical sessions to develop skills relevant to each project.
- Group Discussions & Critiques: Peer-to-peer learning and constructive feedback sessions.
- Independent Research: Directed reading and exploration of relevant academic literature.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Project submission for theme one of the module. Week 4 Graded No
25
 No
Individual Project: Project submission for theme two of the module. Week 7 Graded No
25
 No
Individual Project: Project submission for theme three of the module. Week 10 Graded No
25
 No
Group Work Assignment: Project submission for theme four of the module. Week 15 Graded No
25
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group and rubric-based feedback will provided to all students after each project submission. Students will also be able to avail of individual feedback from module co-ordinators on request.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
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