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063-0656-21L 14 Credits MSC D-ARCH

Subject Semester (Fachsemester) FS21 in the Field of Technogy in Architecture (ITA, Prof. Schlüter)

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Arno Schlüter
Only for Architecture MSc, Programme Regulations 2017. A student can only register once for a "Fachsemester" during the Master studies!
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:56

Abstract

Zero Carbon Building Design:In this research semester, we address the topic of Zero Emissions Building Design, which integrates aspects of energy, materials and technology, human behaviour and comfort into architectural design, aspiring synergetic design solutions.

Objective

Zero Carbon Building Design: After successfully concluding the research semester students can identify concepts and relevant design parameters for Zero Emissions Building Design and develop integrated architectural design strategies. They know how to select and use appropriate simulation and analysis tools to qualify and quantify their design solutions and visualize their concepts using both technical schematics as well as architectural drawings and visualizations.

Content

Zero Carbon Building Design: First, students will be introduced to core concepts of Zero Emissions Building Design and discuss leading works and examples on a global scale. In combination with excursions and site visits (if possible), a catalogue of criteria and metrics for the development of their integrated design concepts will be developed. Participants will work on an urban retrofit case study in a moderate climate. The analysis departs at analyzing the site, its climate, the status quo of the building and relevant architectural/urban parameters. After assessing the potentials for reducing energy demand and local renewable energy supply, students will develop integrated design concepts targeting zero carbon over the building lifecycle, both for building operation and construction/materials. Using low-barrier modelling, simulation and optimization toolsets (preferably Rhino / Grasshopper, HIVE, etc.) the design concepts will be assessed and discussed both numerically as well as architecturally / aesthetically. For further development, students choose one component or aspect central to their design concept. Students will document the process and the results both numerically as well as architecturally, which then will be discussed with a final jury.

Resources

Lecture Notes

All materials (lectures, tools, examples) are available on the **A/S knowledge platform**:https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=11917

Literature

All materials (lectures, tools, examples) are available on the **A/S knowledge platform**: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=11917

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
independent project Subject Semester (Fachsemester) FS21 in the Field of Technogy in Architecture (ITA, Prof. Schlüter) No time listed 400 h semesterly

Offered In