New Challenges to Teaching Technical Disciplines in Architecture Schools

Abstract

The goal of teaching zero energy building design in architecture schools has to be tackled by different approaches, from design disciplines to building science, combining traditional and new teaching methods. Current curricula at architecture schools are trying to introduce design courses according to the so-called integrated energy design. This chapter studies current building science and technology teaching strategies, examples of student work at Keene State College in New Hampshire (US), the competencies acquired in each course, and the impact of the technical disciplines on design studios. Finally, the impact of building information modeling (BIM) and building performance simulation (BPS) on the teaching of technical disciplines in architecture programs are evaluated. The essential goal of this chapter is to determine and establish some techniques for using BIM and BPS as adequate tools to teach sustainable building design and construction.