ENERGY AND ARCHITECTURE (ARC61904)
Energy and Architecture is a module that explores the relationship between architectural design and energy performance in buildings. It introduces the principles of energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable building strategies, enabling students to evaluate building performance and develop low-energy design solutions that enhance environmental sustainability and occupant comfort.
Group Project 1a: Low Energy Building Analysis
Assignment 1a requires students to conduct a precedent study of an existing low-energy or net-zero building to evaluate its energy-efficient strategies and their impact on building performance. For this assignment, our group selected the Green Energy Office (GEO) Building in Malaysia as the case study to analyse its sustainable design features and understand how they contribute to reducing energy consumption. The findings are presented as an 8–10 minute infographic video, highlighting the building's key energy-efficient strategies and overall performance
Group Project 1b: Low Energy Building Analysis
Assignment 1b requires students to visit a publicly accessible energy-efficient green building and produce a 4–6 minute influencer-style site visit vlog, interview, or podcast. For this assignment, our group selected IOI City Mall as the study building and chose the vlog format to showcase its sustainable design features and energy-efficient strategies. Through the vlog, we provide an engaging walkthrough of the building while highlighting its green building initiatives and overall environmental performance.
individual Project 2a: A walkthrough Energy Audit E-Report
Assignment 2a requires students to conduct a walk-through energy audit of a selected building and produce an A3 Energy Audit E-Report. The audit evaluates the building's energy performance by analysing its façade and climate profile, energy consumption, building systems, energy management, renewable energy strategies, and compliance with MS1525. For this assignment, I selected my own house as the case study to assess its existing energy performance and propose practical energy-efficient improvements based on the audit findings.
Individual Project 2b: Reflective Report
This assignment requires students to prepare a Reflective Report that critically evaluates their learning journey throughout the Energy and Architecture module. The report reflects on the knowledge and skills gained in energy-efficient building design, renewable energy technologies, and environmental systems, while assessing personal growth, challenges encountered, and the application of these concepts to future architectural practice.
REFLECTION
Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC)
“Throughout this module, I developed a range of Taylor's Graduate Capabilities (TGC) through the completion of the three assignments.
By analysing the GEO Building, conducting an energy audit of my own house, and producing a reflective report, I strengthened my Discipline Specific Knowledge by applying theories of energy-efficient building design in practical contexts. The assignments also enhanced my Lifelong Learning as I independently researched and synthesized information from various sources. My Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills improved through analysing building performance and proposing suitable energy-saving strategies. In addition, preparing presentations, reports, and vlogs strengthened my Communication Skills, while collaborating with group members during Assignments 1a and 1b enhanced my Interpersonal Skills and teamwork. Completing the individual audit and reflection fostered Intrapersonal Skills by encouraging self-management and continuous reflection on my learning progress. Furthermore, the module increased my awareness of sustainable development and environmental responsibility, supporting my Citizenship and Global Perspectives, while the use of digital tools for research, analysis, reporting, and video production strengthened my Digital Literacy.
Overall, this module has equipped me with the knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies required to integrate energy-efficient and sustainable strategies into future architectural practice.”​​​