Course detail

Structures of Buildings

FA-KPS-KAcad. year: 2020/2021

The course develops the knowledge gained in the course on building elements in the bachelor's degree. It focuses on contemporary structures and technologies which are relevant to classical and innovated technologies and materials enhanced by the current technical possibilities. It presents constructions from ceramics, reinforced concrete, metals, timber, glass and plastic. It also develops the knowledge of ways to protect structures from fire. An integral part of the course is the presentation of the latest results of building energy rating. The topics will be illustrated with newly built projects from Czechia and abroad.
In the study programme “Architecture and Urban Design” the course is part of the technical courses.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Department

Department of Engineering (US)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

In the course Structures of Buildings, students:
– will develop their knowledge from the previous courses which will help them to critically assess the input parameters applied in the process of building design;
– will enlarge their knowledge which will enable them to develop an architectural concept in a creative way;
– will learn about existing buildings which have modern structures and technologies, and which enhance the aesthetic quality of the architectural work;
– The results of this part of study will enhance students in their individual work in their subsequent practice;
– will critically approach the design and use of buildings with regard to sustainable architecture;
– will realise the need, and will learn the methods, how to apply architectural designs to meet the standards required for rational and economical approach to fossil energy sources;
– will learn how to work with renewable sources of energy which will motivate solutions and designs with significantly reduced production of substances which contribute to climate change.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is divided into three blocks.
A. Introduction to the topic (in 8 points) presented by the teacher, given in the curriculum above.
B. Seminars led by the teacher. In the seminars every student will present a topic of their own choice. The topics will be oriented towards sustainability and environment protection.
C. Excursion to a building or a complex with a significant environmental approach.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Following instruments are used for evaluation:
A. Level of activity in classes. Every absence will be penalized by deduction of 10 points from a 100 points grading scale.
B. Results of test, evaluated on a 100 points grading scale.
C. Quality of presented seminar work, evaluated on a 100 points grading scale.
The overall evaluation will be an average from the A, B, C parts. To be awarded the graded credit students must get at least 50 % of points.

Course curriculum

1. Structures of buildings and their impact on the creation of the environment
2. Structures of high-rise buildings and their protection against fire – illustrated by WTC buildings
3. Topic of renovation and construction of a new building – illustrated by Elbe Philharmonic Hall
4. Analysis of failure causes of a simple building - illustrated by Mourning hall in Brno Židenice
5. Timber structures in high-rise buildings and long-span buildings
6. Natural material in contemporary architectural designs and building structures
7. Development of energy-saving buildings and the case of passive residential building
8. Exhibition spaces and their lighting + test
9. Presentation of student works
10. Presentation of student works
11. Excursion
12. Presentation of student works
13. Presentation of student works and grading

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to develop the knowledge base that students gained in the technical courses in their bachelor's degree. It enhances the knowledge of structures of buildings and implements the latest findings of science and technology. The course will focus on the segment of building materials, constructions and technologies which are currently in use or are developed as prototypes.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The course is compulsory. At the beginning of every class the presence is monitored. Maximum of two absences without excuse are allowed.
After the final topic is presented (in week 8) there is a test which will verify the level of knowledge that students have gained.
Further form of verification is the presentation of student seminar work which will be performed in weeks 9-13 in the form of a lecture with the use of digital technology.
In the case of a student's apology and with approval of the subject guarantor, personal attendance may be substituted with online attendance in the classes.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Časopis Detail ISSN 0011-9571. (DE)
CHYBÍK, Josef. Energeticky úsporná výstavba. Brno: VUTIUM, 2012, ISBN 978-80-7204-813-7. (CS)
TYWONIAK, Jan. Nízkoenergetické domy 1-3. Praha: Grada, 2008, ISSN 978-80-247-2061-6. (CS)

Recommended reading

HAUSER, Gerd. Timber Construction Manual. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2004. ISBN 3-7643-7025-4. (EN)
CHYBÍK, Josef. Přírodní stavební materiály. Praha: Grada, 2009, ISBN 978-80-247-2532-1 (CS)
EBERLE, Dietmar. 9x9. Birkhäuser, 2018, Basel. ISBN 978-3035606331 (CS)
NAGY, Eugen. Nízkoenergetický a energeticky pasivní dům. Bratislava: JAGA, 2009, ISBN 978-80-8076-077-9. (CS)

eLearning

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N_A+U Master's, 1. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

eLearning