UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Level 3 Spring Semester 2016-17 Project P2

ENVIRONMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

IN YOUR PORTFOLIO ARC308 (+ARC378)
You are expected to continue to develop a consciousness of sustainable design and environmental issues
through your P2 project and strategically test your knowledge in your studio work. Your analysis should inform the
design process, so that your design reflects a critical position.

You will be asked to produce a single separate piece of work for inclusion in your design portfolio, broadly
representing your environmental intentions and analysis for the key space within your proposal.

This piece of work should be presented on the equivalent of a single A1 sheet of paper (paper size should broadly
follow the format of the rest of your design portfolio, so this may be 2xA2 etc.). Your output should be primarily
drawn or photographed. Text should be included sparingly and effectively, with discrimination in relation to key
drawings, diagrams and illustrations. You will be required to:

L01 Develop an advanced conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrates and
satisfies the technical requirements of its construction and the needs of the user

L02 Consider the impact of a designed building on the environment, and the precepts of sustainable design
at a conceptual and detailed level

L03 Develop a strategic approach to address the way in which buildings fit into their environmental context at
macro and micro levels

L04 Assess and understand the interrelated properties, characteristics and environmental impact of building
materials, components and systems

L05 Apply and integrate the principles associated with designing optimum visual, thermal and acoustic
environments appropriately into a building design

L06 Develop strategies for building services and show an ability to integrate these in a design project

L07 Prepare designs that will meet building users requirements and comply with UK legislation and other
appropriate environmental performance standards

ASSESSMENT

Assessment will be based on the following criteria:

1. Demonstration of critical understanding of sustainable and environmental issues: 20% (LO2, LO4, LO7,
S3)

2. Resolution of detailed technical studies with correct application of principles and methods: 20% (LO1,
LO3, LO5, LO6, LO7, S1, S2, S4, S5)

3. Structure and clarity of approach and application of key environmental design strategies: 20% (LO1,
LO3, LO5, LO6, LO7)

4. Design creativity in relation to detailed technological solutions: 20% (LO1, LO3, LO5, LO6, LO7)

5. Completeness, clarity, appropriateness and standard of graphic presentation: 20% (LO1, LO3, LO5,
LO6, LO7)

CREDIT WEIGHTINGS

ARC308: K100 10 credits

ARC378: HK21 4 credits

Simon Chadwick / Steve Fotios / Jian Kang / Paul Testa March 2017

SUBMISSION

This submission should take the form of a three-dimensional evaluation of the performance of a key space of
your design, analysing daylight quality, describing any artificial lighting, examining the acoustic performance and
exploring the heating and ventilation of the space. You should comment on the occupancy patterns, behaviour,
and the implications of your decision-making in terms of energy consumption.

Your evaluation should include an assessment of the successes, failings, and potential problems of the
space. A good response will consider two or more design options, identifying the changes that have been made
and the most successful solutions, demonstrating that the environmental strategy is not post-rationalised.

The output should take the form of an annotated study of either a physical or a computer model. It should
consider:

Key visual and acoustic requirements of the space (e.g. for circulation, reading, display), including
how to reduce glare/unwanted sound and provide light in appropriate areas/enhance wanted sound.
Daylight factor (or other metric) analysis of window size and distribution, by calculation, simulation, or
scale model.
Reverberation time, or other appropriate calculation.
Artificial lighting layout: choice of lamp/luminaire types from literature and precedent study; layout
from precedent study (e.g. photos of similar spaces); discussion as to controls (manual/automatic,
zoning, switch location).
Acoustic material choice (in terms of absorption, reflection, diffusion etc.).

Simon Chadwick / Steve Fotios / Jian Kang / Paul Testa March 2017

 heating strategy: quick or slow response and determine any need for thermal mass and where this
should be placed in relation to key functions related to this part of the building. This should take account
of the external environment.
heat loss and where this needs to be reduced and what best practice standard you will aim for.
Determine u-value of the relevant external envelope (typical wall, roof and window) and place this in
context of passive/sustainable design how does it compare to the best practice standard you have
chosen?
heat emitters, illustrate these and justify their choice and position in relation to the functions of this part
of the building and human comfort
Ventilation strategy, mechanical or natural ventilation. Demonstrate sufficient ventilation rates for
indoor air-quality and to accommodate the activities taking place in the key space. How is this
controlled?

It is understood that it wont be possible to go into full detail on all three elements of the space (lighting, acoustics,
heating & ventilation) but you should cover all three at least at a strategic level with one topic, most appropriate to
the function of your key space, being described and analysed in much greater depth.

Submission date:

nd
K100: Monday 22 May, 10am with your portfolio
th
HK21: Friday 26 May, 10am with your portfolio

A separate digital file (PDF no larger than 5Mb) to be included in your portfolio digital submission.

Simon Chadwick / Steve Fotios / Jian Kang / Paul Testa March 2017