About
The Sustainable Environmental Design (SED) Programme leads to either a MArch (16 months) or MSc (12 months) degree. SED investigates real-life projects sited within a broad range of climates, building types and urban morphologies. The programme works to develop architecture that contributes to carbon-neutral futures and promotes inhabitant comfort, health and well-being. Its educational approach is research-led, evidence-based and practice-oriented.
The programme consists of two consecutive phases. In Phase 1 (Terms 1 and 2), students undertake experimental fieldwork and conduct computational studies within group projects. The ongoing SED research agenda Refurbishing the City provides briefs for case studies of buildings and outdoor spaces around London and other major cities. We examine historical data and projections that demonstrate climatic variability in a range of contexts, and use fieldwork in London to determine how the morphology and materiality of cities can interact with sun, wind and human activity, creating unexpected conditions and microclimates. Students use data collected during this work to calibrate computational models and simulations and are encouraged to view challenging climatic conditions as creative opportunities. These studies provide the starting point for the design research that takes place in Term 2. Students develop their design briefs with input from seminars that highlight progressive environmental design research and practice.
Staff
Nick Baker
Gustavo Brunelli
Paula Cadima (Programme Head)
Herman Calleja
Olivier Dambron
Mariam Kapsali
Byron Mardas
Mileni Pamfili
Pierluigi Turco
Divy Vora
Simos Yannas (Founding Director)