Department: MSc in Sustainable Design and Built Environment
Module Description: The module is based on the belief that evaluation, feedback, and critique are all vital components to the progress of sustainable design. Progress can only be achieved when this assessment loop is completed using credible and appropriate methods. Investigations in the Built Environment aims to reinforce this message and introduce the student to a number of investigative and analytical methods and techniques, including surveys, simulation, experimental, and measurement. It will consider both physical and human perspectives of the Built Environment and draw on methods appropriate to both academic and practice-based investigations. Further support for the learning will come from the assignments, in which students are encouraged to think through the issues involved in each stage of making an investigation; written feedback on these from the tutor will contribute to the module content. The students will also be introduced and trained to use some handheld instruments used to assess thermal comfort and indoor environmental quality.
There is no single main textbook for this module. You are expected to read from a variety of relevant research journals and books (including those shown below). The use of electronic resources is essential.
