Course Title: Sustainable Facades and Materials

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Sustainable Facades and Materials

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BUSM4468

City Campus

Postgraduate

325H Property, Construction & Project Management

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 2 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 1 2024,
Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Guillermo Aranda-Mena

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9512

Course Coordinator Email: guillermo.aranda-mena@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 8.8.75


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

It is recommended that you have satisfactorily completed the course BUSM 4463 Energy Moisture and Airflow in Buildings before you commence this course.
OR
Alternatively you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. This course assumes that you have developed the knowledge required to perform calculations of air flows in buildings. The course also assumes you have developed the knowledge and skills required to formulate building design strategies. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Further information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=x94or0ccuu7k
 


Course Description

The fabric of a building, including its façade, plays a critical role in determining its sustainability performance. Professionals working on sustainable building projects need to understand the environmental impact associated with building materials. They also need to know how façade systems ’work’ in a theoretical sense and perform in real world settings, and how to evaluate the performance of these increasingly complex systems.

In this course you will develop and apply specialised knowledge and skills required to evaluate the sustainability performance of building materials and complex building façade systems. You will acquire the skills and knowledge required to design and specify materials and system for building façades, and to communicate the advantages, disadvantages and feasibility of different systems and solutions to a diverse range of sustainability stakeholders, including building designers and owners.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Determine and apply knowledge of complex sustainable building theory, principles and practice, to contribute to the design and management of sustainable buildings
  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on sustainable building theory and recent developments, both local and international, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice
  • Adopt a building performance and systems approach, and apply specialist knowledge and technical skills to creatively address the diverse needs of sustainable building stakeholders
  • Design innovative building solutions responsive to sustainability performance targets, demonstrating independent and sound decision making related to your professional practice and the discipline
     


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Evaluate the multi-functional role that complex modern façade systems play in the design, in-service performance and construction of energy efficient and sustainable buildings
  2. Apply multidisciplinary approach to compare and assess different façade systems and building envelope materials
  3. Analyse the impact of building façades on the design and specification of other building systems and services
  4. Creatively design and specify facades that meet sustainable building design goals and objectives
  5. Apply specialised software technologies to evaluate the performance of facade.


Overview of Learning Activities

The course consists of online and face-to-face lectures, tutorials and seminars. In seminars you will be engaged in hands-on interactive class activities, group discussions and computer based workshops.


 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
As part of the learning in this course you will be directed to lecture notes and other related information through links in MyRMIT. Resources you will utlise in this course include lecture notes, case studies, software packages and library resources.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment consists of:

Task 1: Individual work: Site analysis: Contextual and Environmental Study. 25% weight. CLO1, CLO2.

Task 2: Individual work: Massing study of proposed building structure. 25% weight. CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO5.

Task 3: Individual work: Façade/curtain wall performance assessment in BIM. 25% weight. CLO3, CLO4, CLO5.

Task 4: Individual work: Architectural design options and construction assembly. 25% weight. CLO3, CLO4, CLO5.

Feedback will be provided to each assessment task via Canvas.

Equitable Learning Services

Equitable Learning Services (ELS) provide support and equal opportunities for students with a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition and primary carers of individuals with a disability. You can contact the ELS if you would like to find out more: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services. You can also contact the course coordinator or the program coordinator if you would like to find out more.

An assessment charter (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kh6a3ly2wi2h1.pdf) summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teaching staff.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ln1kd66y87rc.