Program Overview

Reviving Buildings: Methods and Praxis for Adaptive Reuse and Resilient Retrofit (AT6031)

Module Goal

To increase knowledge and evaluate environmental performance and aesthetic values of existing buildings; to critique and understand issues around sustainability (re-use and circularity, decarbonisation, energy use and performance/behaviour etc.) associated with repurposing existing building stock in order to create a more resilient built environment: to enhance abilities to recognise and design for potential new uses of existing buildings; to create familiarisation with different practical and/or novel methods and approaches to achieving sustainable results in building retrofits; to create awareness of new knowledge and instill an ability to effectively communicate advanced concepts to other parties including academic, public, legislative, community, professional networks.

Module Content

• This Module allows learners to consider the role of embodied energy in the fabric of existing buildings. It will consider the design of energy upgrades of existing buildings having regard for the need to maintain its existing value to society with a focus on the environmental and economic benefits of the upgrade. It will enable Learners to understand the impact around the selection of a renewable energy systems for existing buildings - while evaluating the aesthetic and material impacts on the appearance of the building.
• Using case studies and exemplar live projects, it will conceptualise the values in existing buildings (historic, aesthetic, environmental, social, community), while focusing on repurposing and resilient retrofitting. It will explore leading and novel research that improves thermal efficiency in existing buildings. With this, it will look to understand effective solutions for current or future needs around decarbonisation and use of novel and/or innovative Renewable Energy systems that uses appropriate materials and techniques for existing buildings.
• Through an understanding of the concepts of Universal Design and relevant guidelines, it will help facilitate Learners overcome barriers to Universal Design in existing buildings. It will encourage the development and support the acquisition of new Learning Styles and techniques for Learners around the integration and communication of technical information to different audiences (professional, public, regulatory, domestic etc.).

Additional Teaching Mode Information

• 8 x 1 hr(s) lectures
• 11 x 2 hr(s) seminars/webinars
• 90 hr(s) online asynchronous (any time learning) activities

Practicalities

• Continuous Assessment

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an ability to analyse an example of the renovation of an existing building to achieve an environmental performance significantly closer to the standards expected in contemporary construction.
2. Identify potential problems or advantages encountered if modern materials and construction techniques have been used in buildings constructed with traditional materials and construction techniques.
3. Demonstrate a critical ability in prioritising strategic approaches to the re-purposing and energy upgrading of an existing building.
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the need for sensitivity in dealing with older buildings that may have historical, cultural and/or social significance to the local or national community.
5. Explain how the concepts of universal design and relevant guidelines should influence the refurbishment of existing buildings in order to achieve greater resilience.
6. Demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate the technical/social value of repurposing and resilient retrofitting.

Requirements

• An Architecture/Engineering bachelor’s degree or related equivalent qualification.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• At least one year experience of working in a relevant professional or management role.
• If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, we would suggest a minimum of five years’ leadership or management experience.
• An interest in becoming climate literate, uncovering new architecture solutions, and helping achieve net zero buildings with Universal Access.

Fees and Costs

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning.

The fee for this micro-credential is €500 but applicants who meet the subsidy requirements can attend this micro-credential for €100.

Check your eligibility on the HEA Website

How To Apply

Please select the following options during your online application (once you have created your profile):

• Start a new Micro-credentials application by selecting as below
• In the application level tab select the following option
• Then select the programme/module you'd like to apply for

Course Fact File

• Code: AT6031
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Fees: €500 - HCI Subsidy Initiative
• Closing Date: 11th February 2025
• Venue: Blended delivery
• Credits: 5
• Start Date: 19th Feb 2025