Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Format
Synchronous Online: Learning occurs online and in real time. These "Live Sessions" take place weekly on Wednesdays, from 7 pm to 9 pm (CST). Live Sessions will count toward your participation grade. As such, it is highly recommended that you participate in real time. However, in the event that your work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, please review the recording of the Live Session for the particular week you were unable to attend, and as a make-up assignment, submit a video presentation. Specific details and procedures on how to complete the make-up assignment can be found within each module on the "LIVE SESSION" tab.
Course Prerequisites
- ARCH 5812: Human Centric Design
- ARCH 5822: Foundations of Building Physics and Analysis
- ARCH 5832: Introduction to Building Performance Analysis
- ARCH 5842: Introduction to Research Methods for Analysis
Course Materials
All required materials can be found linked to the individual weekly modules within Canvas. They are also available at the RESOURCES: Course Materials page in the Start Here Module.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
The course learning outcomes (CLOs) for ARCH 5852: Sustainable Design and BIM Workflows align with two of the program learning outcomes (PLOs) for the MS in Sustainable Architecture. Specifically, CLOs B and C, which focus on building envelopes and systems and technology evaluation and integration, align with PLOs 1 and 2. PLO 1, "Research," involves researching and evaluating emerging science and methodologies for optimizing building performance, which is directly addressed by CLO C. PLO 2, "Design, Build, and Assess," involves using analysis, tools, and methods to design, develop, select materials, and assess building systems and performance, which is covered by all three CLOs. CLO A, which focuses on building information modeling (BIM), also aligns with PLO 2 by providing students with the skills and understanding necessary to use BIM as a tool for sustainable design and analysis. By developing students' knowledge and skills in BIM, building envelopes, and systems and technology evaluation and integration, ARCH 5852 contributes to the program's goal of preparing students with the expertise needed for sustainable evidence-based design and the use of analytical tools to make better design decisions and communicate the rationale to clients.
- Research - Research and evaluate emerging science and methodologies for optimizing building and human performance through the case study method. (CLO B and C)
- Design, Build, and Assess - Use analysis, tools, and methods to design, develop, select materials, and assess the building systems and performance of code-compliant sustainable projects. (CLOs A, B, and C)
- Fund and Manage - Evaluate financing and life cycle cost accounting strategies used in green building initiatives.
- Account for ESG Impacts - Explain how design decisions impact society, systemic issues, and the environment for all communities today and in the future.
- AIA Framework - Demonstrate integrated project design and sustainability within the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Alignment
| A | Building Information Modeling. Students will develop an understanding of how BIM is used in industry as well as basic BIM software skills. | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| B | Building Envelopes. Students will be able to identify the key components, metrics, and design of building envelopes and wall assemblies. | 1, 2 |
| C | Systems and Technology Evaluation and Integration. Students will be able to research, analyze and evaluate established and emerging systems, technologies, and assemblies of building construction and assess those technologies against the design, economic, and performance objectives of projects. | 1, 2 |
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Revit Models (A-E) & Simulation Reports | Students submit Revit models showcasing their progress in applying each module's learning objectives, with submissions graded on a pass/fail basis (50 pts). Students submit before and after simulation reports for each assignment, with the before report (25 pts) serving as a benchmark and identifying challenges and sustainability goals, and the after report (100 pts) demonstrating measurable improvement based on the module's learning outcomes. Grading for the before report is pass/fail for the simulation report and partial credit for challenges and goals, while the after report is graded using a rubric, allowing for partial credit. | 875 |
| Mini-Presentations | Students deliver live or recorded presentations arguing for their project's design strategy in relation to the module's learning outcomes, earning points based on the arguments' succinctness and persuasiveness. | 400 |
| Material Life Cycle Analysis Report | Students create a report that graphically and/or textually illustrates the sustainability pros and cons of a specific building material, demonstrating their ability to objectively assess the material's sustainability. The report is graded using a rubric. | 100 |
| Mini-Capstone (Final Revit Model) | Students apply knowledge gained throughout the course to an existing building, establishing sustainability goals and providing a logical implementation plan to improve the building's sustainability while maintaining net zero or negative carbon impact. A rubric is used to assess the student's application of course knowledge. | 250 |
| Total | 1625 |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Revit Models
The Revit models are the foundation of the learning outcomes in this course. Students will develop skills in Revit that can directly translate to use in an A/E firm. Also key to this course are the simulations in companion apps that aid in evaluating sustainable design strategies. The accuracy of these simulations is dependent on the development of the Revit model.
Simulation Report
The simulations are a critical key part of the course. Revit companion apps will be utilized to simulate the results of any given sustainable design strategy that is applied. Running these simulations provides an experiential way to test sustainable design features to determine applicability to a given project. Practicing these simulations will provide students with immediate feedback on projects that will expand their experience with utilizing different strategies without needing to complete a physical project. Students will be able to directly apply this workflow to real projects for new or existing buildings to aid them in determining a course of action to achieve a set of sustainability goals for a building.
Mini-Presentations
Building projects are a team effort that requires many people working toward the same goals. In order to make sustainability a key goal of a project, the project decision makers (often the owners) need to be on board. The purpose of the mini-presentations is to provide practice in distilling key strategies into a succinct easy to understand argument in favor of sustainable design. The Revit model and Simulation reports will provide the foundational knowledge, but the presentation is what sells the idea.
Material Life Cycle Analysis Report
There are many common building materials that are used on almost all new building projects (Concrete, Gypsum, Paint, etc.). This assignment will require students to research a common building material as it relates to sustainable design. This will provide experience in knowing what information to look for and how to determine what are the pros and cons of a building material as it relates to sustainability. This exercise is directly applicable to any design project when it comes to the selection and specifications of materials on a project. This assignment also provides experience in creating a report to graphically illustrate to the decision maker(s) on a project why a specific material should or should not be used on a sustainable project.
Mini-Capstone
Sustainable design strategies can be utilized for the design of a new building, but are just as important as it relates to existing buildings that were not designed for sustainability. Building reuse is a good way to limit the amount of expended Carbon by limiting the amount of new materials used on a new building and material waste from the demolition of older buildings. However, how is an older building modified to reduce its energy consumption during its extended life, and how much carbon is used to make those modifications? This Carbon usage impact report provides practice in how to evaluate an existing building to determine if and how an existing building can be modified and effect a net zero or net negative carbon impact. This exercise will also utilize Revit and companion simulation apps to aid in evaluating an as-built condition.
Guest Speaker
The guest speaker is someone who is an active professional who uses sustainable design strategies in their projects. The guest speaker will provide an outside perspective by speaking about their experience in setting and achieving sustainability goals. Were there any goals that were out of reach due to budget or the owner and how did they overcome these challenges? There will be time devoted to a live Q&A session with the guest speaker after their talk.
Course Policies
Communication
If you need to contact me, please e-mail me directly at candice.l.leinneweber-1@ou.edu. Canvas messaging is unreliable, please only use OU email for communication with me. I will do my best to respond within 24 hours, 48 hours max. Please note that work-life balance is very important to me, and I make an effort to avoid checking e-mail on the weekends if at all possible.
How will we address each other? My pronouns are she/her/hers. In terms of titles, Candice works just fine. If you go by a name other than the one listed in Canvas, please tell me how you prefer to be addressed. Additionally, if I mispronounce your name, do not hesitate to correct me. Respecting another's preferred pronouns, titles, and pronunciations is an easy way to show respect to your colleagues and is something I take very seriously.
Feedback
Assignments will be graded within one week of submission. If you would like a deeper dive into any feedback or grade you receive, I am happy to set up individual Zoom meetings to discuss further.
Late Policy
Late work will be accepted with a grade penalty. Late work is typically addressed in the assignment rubrics. All graded assignments must be completed by the assigned due date. Any extensions of assignment due dates due to university-excused absences or for personal reasons (sickness, family emergency, etc.) must be arranged prior to the assigned due date.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Errata and Changes
Errors and omissions to this syllabus or class presentations will be revised as observed and do not constitute incomplete or late work from students. Students are responsible for bringing the professor’s attention to any and all possible errata they encounter. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus and content based on course pacing and current events that may be relevant to the material.
Additional Resources
If you need additional support or guidance in navigating Canvas, please visit the Sustainable Architecture Student Orientation Course for helpful tutorials, tips, and resources to enhance your experience with our learning management system.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|