SMART CITY AND NET ZERO

By the end of this decade, buildings in many countries in the world should have almost zero energy consumption. Since the achievement of such planning is associated with highly significant technical and economic issues which must be addressed during the design and construction of buildings, there is an increased need for automatically rapid and efficient training of all involved architects and engineers in the related field. The course will explore the technical challenges of attaining net zero standards and the planning of smart cities.

By the end of this decade, buildings in many countries in the world should have almost zero energy consumption, while new cities are planned with smart features. Since the achievement of such planning is associated with highly significant technical and economic issues which must be addressed during the design and construction of buildings, there is an increased need for automatically rapid and efficient training of all involved architects and engineers in the related field. The course will explore the technical challenges of attaining net zero standards and the planning of future smart cities. The course objective is to highlight the Energetic/Technological/Economic issues related to the construction of Buildings and Cities, though analysis and research.

The course is divided in ‘theory’ and ‘participation’. Each week the 1st class is based on ‘participation’: students are encouraged to participate in group discussions about the previous lectures, basic workshops and expected to work on their own ‘individual and group research projects’. During the 2nd class consist of ‘theory’: a lecture on a specific aspect related to ‘Smart City and Zero Net’– with lectures with visual support, readings, video resources. Active participation is requested, as well as a positive attitude to work both individually and in groups. Attendance and participation in class will only be considered if there is active participation - answering questions, making questions .... The class will taught in ENGLISH, just basic level for conversation in English is needed to communicate with the Professor. Students have to write their materials (reports, worksheets, exams ...) in ENGLISH. 1/3 of absence will consist of automatic failure of the course.

Students will be asked to engage in a variety of tasks in English, so a Basic understanding of English language is required, as students will be listening to lectures and media, reading textbook in English, discussing with their classmates team and Professor about materials, expressing ideas orally and in written form. Background in architectural engineering or architecture preferred, students from other departments are welcome. Exchange students and foreign students are also highly welcome to join the course!

Architectural engineers are involved in the planning and design of the architectural projects, and need to take into consideration Energetic/Technological/Economic issues, not only in a building scale but on an urban scale. Understanding the concepts of SMART CITY AND ZERO NET strategies (theoretical approach) Learning to Research about case studies (research approach). Learning to Apply in a proposal project (practical approach). Development of English communication skills - listening, reading, talking, writing.