Theory and Tools: Building with Bio-based and Geo-sourced Materials

6.00 credits

45.0 h

> Schedule

Teacher(s)

Massart Catherine; Nyssen-Dehaye Damien; Seewang Laila; Stiernon Dorothée;

Language

French

Main themes

This learning unit, focusing on research of bio-based and geo-sourced construction materials (wood, earth, stone, straw, etc.), examines how the choice to work with one or more of these materials affects: the type of construction system, technical and environmental performances, prefabrication possibilities, implementation, construction site management, resource ecosystems, labour, and architectural expression. The value chain is also studied through a life-cycle approach, from extraction to production and assembly, through to its end-of-life, as well as the valorisation possibilities the material offers by considering disassembly potentials for reuse. Students will learn to adapt construction systems in bio-based and geo-sourced materials to innovative design proposals that demonstrate awareness of the environmental impacts and the opportunities offered by these materials.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

To situate the use of bio-based and geo-sourced materials in architecture within the longue durée, by relying on the history of construction and the use of these materials in vernacular architecture
Understand the availability, value chains, and environmental, social, and economic implications of these materials

For each material (wood, stone, earth, plant and animal fibers, geopolymers), gain in-depth knowledge of:
- Their nature and physical/chemical characteristics
- Implementation methods (construction systems, prefabrication, etc.)
- Specific performances (long-term durability, risks and degradation, etc.)

Understand construction systems as integrated wholes: interactions between different components, consequences for other building elements and the overall built structure — spans, lintels, walls, wall thicknesses, foundations, etc.
Develop a critical perspective on the technical, environmental, social, and architectural consequences of choosing these materials
Apply “research-by-design” methods to a research question related to construction with bio-based and geo-sourced materials
Discuss contemporary issues related to the use of bio-based and geo-sourced materials in architecture and to take a position on their appropriate and innovative use.

Content

This module explores the technical, environmental, social and architectural challenges associated with building using bio- and geo-sourced materials, through an examination of their properties, construction systems, value chains and life cycles. It offers an approach to building with renewable materials, combining theory, materials research and research-by-design to explore the possibilities for the innovative and responsible use of these materials in architecture.

Teaching methods

The course comprises the following learning formats:

Lecture
Research and drawing of technical construction details
Site visits
Reading and analysing texts
Group discussions
Material research
Writing exercises
Oral exam / presentation of research

Evaluation methods

Individual report summarizing the seminar discussion (10%)
Group research report on a bio-geo-sourced material, focusing on its production chain and life cycle in Belgium (20%).
5 technical construction details involving different materials, per group (30%).
Oral exam on the basis of a research presentation and questions (40%)

Faculty or entity

> LOCI

Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme

Sigle

Credits

Prerequisites

Learning outcomes

Master [120] in Civil Engineering

GCE2M

Bachelor in Engineering : Architecture

ARCH1BA

Master [120] in Architecture and Engineering

ARCH2M