Program Overview

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Course Overview

Course Description

The course AAR4926, Integrated Energy Design - Theory, is a prerequisite for and supports the design course AAR4616 and the specialization area Integrated Energy Design within AAR4680 Circular Studio. The course focuses on the theory and documentation of net Zero Emission Buildings, with an emphasis on integrated energy design and renewable energy. It covers building integration of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, as well as building integration of renewable energy systems, with a focus on solar energy harvesting.

Course Details

Course Content

The course includes theory on design and evaluation tools and integrated design methodology, with a focus on cooperation between architects and engineers. The course objective is to provide knowledge on fundamentals and principles in the following areas:

• Occupant thermal comfort
• Ventilation systems
• Heating and cooling systems
• Energy generation systems
• Building performance simulation
• Interdependences of building energy systems, structures, and architecture

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The course scope has a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of building energy systems, including interaction with structural and architectural domains.

Skills

The students will develop the following skills in relation to the concepts and strategies for sustainable building projects:

• Identify suitable active and passive approaches in relation to building energy systems
• Discuss the benefits of selected approaches with design team members
• Analyse the design performance of the selected approaches
• Use the principles and methods to analyse and document the effective energy use and utilization of renewable energy in buildings

General Competence

The students will acquire basic competence needed to participate in interdisciplinary design projects with a focus on effective energy use and renewable energy systems in buildings to deliver comfort and architectural quality through integrated solutions.

Course Structure

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes lectures on theory and methods, with the support of design examples, exercises, and presentations, as well as discussions.

Evaluation

The examination arrangement is an approved report. For postponed evaluations based on project assignments, a new or revised assignment in the course must be delivered within the deadline set by the course instructor. Postponed examinations are usually scheduled for the next regular exam period.

Admission and Requirements

Specific Conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required, including:

• Architecture (MAAR)
• Architecture (MAAR2)
• Sustainable Architecture (MSSUSARC)

Required Previous Knowledge

To take this course, you must be enrolled in one of the following programs:

• Architecture (MAAR5)
• Architecture (MAAR2)
• Sustainable Architecture (MSSUSARC)
• AAR4926 can also be taken as a stand-alone course or as a supporting theory course for the Circular Studio AAR4680 - Buildings. Exchange students have to fulfil the same requirements as for the enrollment in one of the study programs MAAR5, MAAR2, MSSUSARC.

Course Materials and Subject Areas

Course Materials

The course materials include case studies, research articles, and other literature, as well as lecture notes.

Subject Areas

The course covers the following subject areas:

• Architectural Design, History and Technology
• Energy and Indoor Environment
• Building Science
• Architecture

Credits and Duration

Credits

The course is worth 7.5 credits.

Level

The course is at the second degree level.

Course Start

The course starts in the autumn of 2025.

Duration

The course duration is 1 semester.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction is English.

Location

The course is located in Trondheim.