module specification

The module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of the design process and construction technologies. Professionals working in the Built Environment must possess a comprehensive understanding and expertise in sustainable design, manufacturing processes, construction technology, building services, and the application and benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM).

This module introduces you to the various stages of design, from strategic definition through to technical design. Alongside this, it will examine various traditional and modern construction technologies, beginning with residential and low-rise construction types before progressing to more complex commercial, industrial, and multi-storey construction typologies. Additionally, you will explore the integration of building services such as water, heating, drainage, energy, and data in a sustainable manner, aiming to minimise the environmental impact of construction projects and building operation.

You will consider the impact of factors such as climate change, urbanisation, carbon reduction targets, skills shortages, and material availability on the design and manufacturing processes, construction technologies, and structural forms adopted within the Built Environment sector. Furthermore, you will examine the role of Government legislation and regulation in construction, with particular focus on workforce safety and the safety of building occupants during the construction phase and handover.

By the end of the module, you will have a solid understanding and appreciation of various construction technologies and building services, as well as their contribution to a sustainable Built Environment. Moreover, you will have developed valuable technical, research, and critical thinking skills, including proficiency in interpreting construction information. Upon completion of this module, you will be able to understand and evaluate the role and impact of design and construction technology in fostering a sustainable Built Environment.

The module syllabus is informed by the course syllabus and reading material alongside contemporary issues, research, and practice within the Built Environment. Topics will include:

• An introduction to the statutory regulations affecting design and construction, both national and international, including:
o Planning legislation
o Building Regulations
o Health & Safety legislation
• The RIBA Plan of Works: stages 0 to 7
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Drivers for sustainable construction and introducing the concept of the building lifecycle
• Traditional construction typologies
• Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA)
• Steel, concrete, timber, and other frame construction types
• Load transfer and load bearing responses of foundations, structural frames, elements, components, and materials
• Selection and performance of external envelope and cladding systems
• Interfaces between construction components
• Temporary works
• Building services
• Sustainable solutions: low and zero carbon homes, off-site construction, and renewable energy sources

Lectures will introduce you to the subject area and provide you with critical knowledge of the design process, construction technology, and building services for residential, low-rise, and framed building types.

A blended and technology-enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Formal lectures will introduce and develop themes that relate to the core subject. The delivery of the module will be broken down into key elements that have discrete tasks. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Throughout the module, student outputs will be reviewed and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

Case studies will be used in this module to give you a clear understanding of how a range of relevant construction technologies and building services are selected and used in practice around the world. You will be introduced to traditional and emerging practices in sustainable construction and will be encouraged to debate and discuss issues arising from the need to reduce the environmental impact of the design, construction, and operation of buildings.

You will be encouraged to undertake your own research and attend industry CPD events to source additional case studies to inform your learning and to share with your peers. This will help to build your own personal body of knowledge and give you reference points to use in assessments in your academic work and in the future to use in your professional work.

Learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE to facilitate sharing of class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Online lectures, tutorials, and seminars will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback.

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the stages of project design and delivery, from strategic definition to building operation.

2. propose appropriate construction technologies for the construction of residential, low-rise, and framed building types.

3. appraise the structural, fire, and other performance characteristics of different materials and construction technology solutions against relevant legislation and regulations.

4. interpret a project brief and propose and justify appropriate construction-technology, structural, and building-services solutions.

5. generate construction solutions based on their contribution towards a sustainable Built Environment.

The area of construction design and technology is a dynamic one, with advances in materials science and structural design producing new options to the construction design and delivery teams. Textbooks, industry reports and web publications will all provide relevant information to students who will benefit from subscribing to various web-based publications to inform themselves of the advances being made across the globe.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. However, there are several books which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list.

There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS).   CIS is accessed via Construction Information Service  and provides a huge range of information relevant to this module. Useful books and articles for this course are listed below:

Link to the Online library reading list