Energy & Architecture (ARC61904)
Tutor: Dr Siti Norzaini Zainal Abidin
Project 1 | Low Energy building Analysis
Students in a group of two are to select a precedent study of Low Energy Building/Net Zero (Residential/Hospitality/Institution/Office/Commercial) of our choice from an existing building locally or internationally (approved by the Tutors). We were required to discuss the impact of the energy efficient strategies implemented to the built environment on the global scene and understand how these strategies affect the energy demands in the chosen building. Not only that, we have to list the potential inventory of its energy efficient strategies on (Façade, Lighting System, HVAC System, Waste Management, Renewable Energy used, Waste Management) and choose ONE only for the development of the content. The inventory list can be described or illustrated with the combination of graphs, text, images, infographics, sketches etc. which includes a Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) feedback which can be extracted to support the content.
Project Outcome
Project 2 | Low Energy building Analysis
This assignment emphasizes the role of a walkthrough audit as a process used to establish an overall practice of the potential energy savings through visual presentation. HVAC, lighting, building maintenance and other factors affecting energy consumption of the building (in this context your own home). Simple calculation could be done to quantify the current and potential implementation of the identified Energy Conservation Measure (ECM). For this exercise, we were required to carry out a field measurement to establish the incoming load profile, major energy usage (segmentation), HVAC and lighting system of your own home. Followed by suggestions on the Renewable Management System (Passive Cooling/Lighting, Retrofitting Lighting system with LED light source/dimmer, Effective Waste Management, Controlling Heat/Glare with Façade or device) to achieve energy efficiency.
Reflection
From this module, I have a comprehensive understanding of how energy is used in buildings through the comprehensive lecture videos, tutorials, assignments and the quizzes provided. I was introduced to the different principles and ways to achieve energy efficiency in environmental systems operation, renewable energy technology and architectural design features. For Project 1, students were to describe the impact of the built environment on the global scene and understand energy demands in buildings, besides identifying the principles of energy efficient systems in architecture and building technology. I had fun creating the animation video along with my groupmates discussing on the HVAC system of our selected building. On the other hand, the principles of energy efficient systems in architecture and building technology were identified in Project 2 and we were required to suggest different strategies of renewable energy to deliver low energy architectural design. It was challenging for me in the initial processes but under the patient and helpful guidance of Dr. Siti, I am thankful to not only garner substantial knowledge in the area of sustainability but to also successfully complete all my projects on time.