Evidence-Based Design: Methods and Tools for Evaluating Architectural Design

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