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851-0252-08L 3 Credits DS , DR , MSC D-GESS , D-ARCH
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Evidence-Based Design: Methods and Tools For Evaluating Architectural Design

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Christoph Hölscher, Dr. Michal Gath Morad, Christian Veddeler
Number of participants limited to 40 Particularly suitable for students of D-ARCH
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:42

Abstract

Students are taught a variety of analytic techniques that can be used to evaluate architectural design. The concept of evidence-based design is introduced, and complemented with theoretical background on space syntax and spatial cognition. This is a project-oriented course, students implement a range of methods on a sample project. The course is tailored for architecture design students.

Objective

The course aims to teach students how to evaluate a design project from the perspective of the end user. The concept of evidence-based design is introduced through a series of case studies. Students are given a theoretical background in space syntax and spatial cognition, with a view to applying this knowledge during the design process. The course covers a range of methods including visibility analysis, network analysis, conducting real-world observations, and virtual reality for architectural design. Students apply these methods to a case study of their choice, which can be at building or urban scale. For students taking a B-ARCH or M-ARCH degree, this can be a completed or ongoing design studio project. The course gives students the chance to implement the methods iteratively and explore how best to address the needs of the eventual end-user during the design process. The course is tailored for students studying for B-ARCH and M-ARCH degrees. As an alternative to obtaining D-GESS credit, architecture students can obtain course credit in "Vertiefungsfach" or "Wahlfach".

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS , DR , MSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places
40

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Evidence-Based Design: Methods and Tools For Evaluating Architectural Design
In class teaching on the: 18.09 / 02.10 / 23.10/ 20.11/ 27.11.2020 from 10-12am. All the other classes will be taught online. The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
  • Fri 10:00-12:00 (ON LI NE)
  • 18.09 Date 09:45-11:30 (HPV G 5)
  • 02.10 Date 09:45-11:30 (HPV G 5)
  • 23.10 Date 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 9)
  • 20.11 Date 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 9)
  • 27.11 Date 09:45-11:30 (HCI G 3)
  • 18.12 Date 09:45-11:30 (HCI G 3)
2 h weekly

Offered In