About this course

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of urban sustainability within the built environment. The lessons dive deep into the latest trends and basic elements necessary for thoroughly assessing urban areas and developing impactful sustainability policies.

Course Description

The course spans over five weeks, each focusing on different aspects of sustainability in urban environments. Topics such as nanoscience, green infrastructure, smart grids, and circular economy models are explored through various lectures, including insights from Nobel laureates Edward S. Rubin and Sir Harold Kroto.

What students will learn

Students will learn to evaluate and enhance the sustainability performance of cities. They will acquire skills in developing models to assess urban sustainability and integrate these models with broader urban policy assessments.

Prerequisites or skills necessary to complete the course

Prospective students should have basic engineering knowledge, including an understanding of energy, carbon footprint, and material properties. A foundational background in architecture and urbanism is also required.

Course coverage - Bullet Points

• Introduction to urban sustainability dimensions
• Analysis and application of nanomaterials and green infrastructure
• Impact evaluation and integrated design approaches
• Modelling techniques including BIM and life cycle analysis
• Exploration of circular city paradigms and sustainability planning

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for urban planners, architects, environmental engineers, and professionals involved in sustainability planning or policy making in urban contexts.

Real-world application of skills

Learners can apply the skills obtained in this course to advise on, or directly engage in, the planning, restructuring, or development of urban areas to promote sustainability. These competencies are also transferable to creating strategies for environmental impact assessments and public policy formation.

Syllabus

• Week 1: Dimensions for urban sustainability
• Week 2: Tools for developing a sustainable built environment
• Week 3: Evaluation and assessment
• Week 4: City models
• Week 5: Circular economy city