Duration
40h Th
Number of credits
| Master in architecture (120 ECTS) | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Modular Architecture is increasingly present in the construction of buildings. It applies to certain components of the building or to the entire construction system. Its use in whole or in part has direct implications for the design process and for the technical specification of buildings.
Modular Architecture is often associated with prefabricated construction. However, the modular architecture is more general and includes different themes:
- Prefabricated architecture
- Industrialized architecture
- Architecture and automation
- Ephemeral architecture
- Mobile architecture
- Scalable architecture
- Architecture and self-construction
This course will allow the student to learn about the different modular design techniques in the construction sector (all materials combined, in Belgium and abroad). The student will then receive instruction focusing on the repercussions of these construction methods on the design, implementation and use of buildings.
Finally, contemporary issues relating to new building production methods will be discussed.
The subjects taught will be:
- General
- Historical, technical and sociological contexts
- Existing construction systems (structural work, finishing work and special techniques)
- Assemblies and construction details
- Impacts on the design process and information communication
- Implementation (manufacturing in the workshop, storage, transport, in situ assembly and dismantling at end of life)
- System evaluation (costs, qualities, performance, safety, reliability, efficiency, flexibility, lifespan, etc.) and positive and negative reviews of these construction methods.
- Relationship of modularity to architecture
- Case studies
The following 4 transversal axes of reflection are encountered in this construction course:
- sustainability: all the techniques studied in the course are assessed with regard to their relationship to sustainable development
- art: the mastery of construction techniques allows the designer to benefit from real freedom of creation
- digital: the performance assessments of construction systems are carried out using different digital tools
- society: lifestyles in buildings and the implication of technical choices in terms of economy and society are studied.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
At the end of the year, the student will be able to state the various concepts of modular architecture and to design and analyze a modular architecture project in order to verify its compatibility with the specific needs of the project.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Nothing
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Ex-cathedra courses
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
face-to-face
Recommended or required readings
Courses notes on e-campus.
Written work / report
Additional information:
A report (Individual work) must be submitted no later than the day of the exam.
It must be uploaded in pdf on the e-campus platform.
It will consist of the study of a modular building system.
Work placement(s)
not applicable
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Dimitri Schmitz
Assistant Professor
dimitri.schmitz@uliege.be