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Evidence-Based Design: Methods and Tools For Evaluating Architectural Design
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:54
Abstract
The course focus is on pre-occupancy evaluation in architecture to support an evidence-based design process. Students are taught a variety of methods such as virtual reality, agent-based simulations and spatial analysis. The course is project-oriented and is open for architecture and STEM students with an interest in interdisciplinary teamwork.
Objective
This semester, students would focus on evaluating healthcare and office typologies from the perspective of building occupants’ and across scenarios, including routine operation and post-pandemic scenarios. Students will apply the tools learned in the course to compare building typologies, using various metrics including spatial proximity, visibility, orientation and movement. On the basis of this multi-objective evaluation, students would propose and evaluate design interventions across scenarios, identifying the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and threats across the various typologies. The course is tailored for students studying for B-ARCH and M-ARCH degrees and is also suitable for students in STEM faculties. As an alternative to obtaining D-GESS credit, architecture students can obtain course credit in "Vertiefungsfach" or "Wahlfach".
Resources
Lecture Notes
English
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 |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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GESS Science in Perspective (Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "GESS Science in Perspective" courses. Further below you will find courses under the category "Type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. During the Bachelor’s degree Students should acquire at least 6 ECTS and during the Master’s degree 2 ECTS. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses: Recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the same course again. All these courses are listed under the category “Typ A”, this means, every student can enroll in these courses.)
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Doctoral Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )
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