Elective Course
Credits: 3-0-3 (3 semester hours)
Type of Course: Lecture/Seminar
Instructors: Godfried L. Augenbroe
Prerequisites: Knowledge of the fundamentals of engineering analysis in various building technology domains, with emphasis on environmental technology issues (energy/HVAC, thermal comfort, lighting performance and visual comfort, acoustics, eco-sustainability, durability, safety) during design, commissioning and use.
Course Overview:The engineering design of technical building systems is treated in a systematic fashion based on a classification of performance aspects. Criteria, metrics and tools for performance evaluations are treated for a variety of building technology domains in particular to inform design and FM decision making. Applications in A/E procurement, co-engineering approaches to design materialization, and next generation Facility Management through continuous performance monitoring.
Topical Outline:- a systems view: systematic approach to identify building systems and subsystems
- characterization of spatial, enclosure, fabric, HVAC, structural and mechanical systems
- classification of performance aspects
- requirements engineering related to the indoor environment of building spaces; emphasis on human performance, thermal comfort indicators (ASHRAE, Fanger-PMV), health issues, IAQ, visual performance, physiological and psychological effects of deficient environments
- workplace conditions: criteria for office activities, measurements, diagnostics
- global framework to identify and express client requirements and find matching performances
- co-engineering approaches in teams of client, facility manager, architect and engineers
Learning Objectives: Students study relevant performance aspects of building systems and get familiar with a performance based approach to building design and maintenance. They will understand the background of performance based codes and regulations and learn how to engage in a performance based dialogue. They will understand the specifics of overall “building utility” and human performance in relation to indoor physical environment variables. Students will be able to deploy a performance based framework to inform and make rational design decisions.
Course Requirements: Four intermediate assignments (individual) and one final assignment (teamwork is an option). Assignments will be different in nature for Ph-D and M-ARCH students.
In the final assignment, students will "revisit" an old design problem from the personal design portfolio or concurrent design studio project, and cast this design problem in a rational decision framework based on a range of performance indicators. The goal is to create a "radar chart" that presents the performance of alternatives and motivates the optimal system choice.