Sustainable Environmental Design MSc

Architectural Association School of Architecture

The Sustainable Environmental Design (SED) Programme leads to either an 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 wellbeing. 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.In Phase 2 (Terms 3 and 4), students develop individual MSc and MArch dissertation projects focusing on zero-carbon research that benefits local communities and engages with global issues. MSc projects explore the architectural potential of this research across a range of climatic zones and building types. MArch research culminates in a specific application for a given site and design brief.Both must follow the SED research methodology by systematically assessing the outcomes of their projects against local and international standards and benchmarks. Since the programme’s first cycle in 2005–6, more than 500 dissertation projects have been completed on sites spanning 60 countries and 150 cities, predominantly within the tropics north and south of the equator. These projects now form part of a growing SED archive that has so far been published in books, journals and conference proceedings. The school-wide Climate Matters activities in Term 1 will provide opportunities to share our climate studies and research with other parts of the AA.