What will I learn on this module?
On this module you will develop a critical appreciation of the technologies used to construct sustainable and contemporary buildings. You will consider the criteria that dictate the appropriateness of building form and constructability within the constraints imposed by the context of user requirements, how the building functions, and the legislative requirements under which the building is constructed.
How will I learn on this module?
You will apply an evaluative approach to sustainable assessment criteria and the technological specification of building elements via a case study approach which will stimulate your learning of buildings in their context, critically appraising how and why buildings perform as they do. Your learning will be through a range of teaching methods including lectures, activity-based tasks, guided and independent. Lectures will offer you the opportunity to develop your knowledge of the principles of building form and function and will enable you to use this knowledge to further explore these areas in more detail concerning your case study buildings. Your learning will be further enhanced using technology. You will have electronic access, via the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) and online library resources.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Academic support for this module will be provided by academic staff in a variety of ways. Formative feedback will be provided on your work during lectures, seminars, and activity-based tasks. The University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) will also allow you to seek additional guidance and engage in academic discussion with academic staff and classmates using a discussion board
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
Appraise and formulate the contextual, functional, environmental and performance requirements of primary building elements.
Specify and illustrate materials and components of major building interfaces to enable strategic decisions to be made in terms of practical, appropriate, and sustainable building solutions.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Challenge and critically evaluate proposed technologies against contemporary integration and buildability issues.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the importance of addressing both the practical and environmental issues of constructing buildings to provide current and future societies with a functional, cost-effective and sustainable living and working environment.
Understand the importance of evaluating your own learning
How will I be assessed?
How will I be assessed? (SRS 0006)
Please give details of all formative and summative assessment process indicating which MLOs will be addressed and how feedback will be provided.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment will be used to allow you to build confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Additional formative feedback shall be delivered to you verbally by academic staff during formally-scheduled teaching and individual or group activity-based sessions to help you learn and prepare you for the submission of your summative assessment.
Summative Assessment
Summative assessment will be by one piece of coursework, weighted at 100% of the module mark that will assess your ability to satisfy all the module learning outcomes. You will use the University’s VLE to receive your feedback using appropriate digital feedback tools.
Pre-requisite(s)
KA5026 Advanced Construction Technology
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
The construction industry is a complex yet vibrant and exciting industry in which to work and its influence is felt in almost every other sector of the global economy. Central to the delivery of successful buildings which satisfy the needs of society is the selection of the right materials and techniques used to construct buildings, particularly concerning the environmental impact the building makes. This module will enable you to evaluate not only how buildings ‘fit together’ but the impact they make to the wider environment. The module will offer you the opportunity to study complex buildings leading to a comprehensive knowledge of the technical aspects of the construction process.
Course info
UCAS Code K255
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Architecture and Built Environment
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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