The course focuses on branches of building physics, namely building acoustics and daylighting. With the acquired knowledge the student will be able to evaluate the internal and external environment of buildings in relation to legislative requirements concerning noise, daylighting and sunlight. Furthermore, the student will be able to correctly evaluate the impact of the proposed buildings on the existing surrounding buildings.

Syllabus of lectures

1. Introduction to daylight in buildings. Solar radiation. Exposure to sunlight with relation to the interior of proposed building.
2. Light and photometry. Daylight in buildings with relation to the interior of proposed object.
3. Available methods of evaluation daylight in buildings.
4. Shading of surrounding buildings caused by proposed object. Importance of volumetric studies.
5. Fundamentals of acoustics from viewpoint of physics, Propagation of sound in open environments - sound field.
6. Acoustic resistance of structures. Airborne noise resistance. Evaluation methods.
7. Impact noise resistance of structures. Methods of determination and evaluation of impact noise resistance.
8. Urban acoustics. Attenuation of noise. Computer tools for assessment of urban acoustics.
9. Legislation and urban acoustics.
10. Noise resistance of peripheral structures.
11. Fundamentals of spatial acoustic. Acoustic field, reverberation time. Evaluation methods.
12. Materials used in spatial acoustics. Absorbers and reverberators.
13. Showcase – monitoring of acoustics and optical quantities.

Outline of practices:

1. Daylight in buildings: Exposure to sunlight.
2. Daylight in buildings: Daylight.
3. Building acoustics: Noise resistance of structures.
4. Building acoustics: Urban acoustics.
5. Building acoustics: Noise resistance of peripheral structures.
6. Summary.

Graduates profile

• Professional knowledge

The student understands fundamental principles of building physics, particularly in areas of building acoustics and daylighting.

The student understands the legislative requirements related to the fields building acoustics.

Knows the assessment methods to determine sound insulation capabilities of structures to achieve acoustic comfort and indoor environmental quality.

Is familiar with software tools used for the simulation and analysis of acoustic parameters.

• Professional skills

Can carry out basic analyses of building structures and objects (acoustic analysis and daylighting).

Can identify critical details in terms of building acoustics (for structures) and daylighting (orientation of openings, dimensions of openings, spacing distances).

They can propose measures to improve acoustic comfort and the quality of daylight in buildings.

Do have the ability to independently use appropriate software tools for the simulation and evaluation of physical properties of buildings.

Can interpret the results of analyses and apply them to the design.

• Qualifications

The student can independently design and evaluate building structures and details in terms of acoustic and lighting technical requirements. The student can evaluate a building as a whole, including its relationship to surrounding buildings.

Can come up with appropriate solutions to meet the required physical parameters of the building.

Is able to translate the results to the professional and wider public.