Máster en medio ambiente y arquitectura bioclimática

Issues

Popular Architecture

Simply put, bioclimatic architecture is an evolved version of popular architecture, which incorporates contemporary building techniques, advanced energy concepts and modern mechanical devices. That is why it is essential to turn our view to the vernacular architecture: to study the reasons behind its building practices, energy use and use of materials, so as to draw consequences applicable to present day architecture.

Passive architecture

The use of passive systems is the most efficient way of taking advantage of natural recourses. This course will study design methodology and strategies that can be applied according to particular climates. It will also analyze current bioclimatic projects, the authors of which will explain the starting conditions, the goals set and the difficulties encountered while developing the project and/or during the building process.

Ecological Urban Planning

It is really difficult to put in practice bioclimatic proposals if the urban structure does not provide for such. It is therefore of key importance to develop adequate urban structures. Moreover, all development means consumption of materials and energy, which can endanger the future of the generations to come. That is why it is necessary to study the possibilities for efficient sustainable development and the effects of the environmental impact of urban development projects, proposing the most appropriate ones.

Natural lighting

Natural lighting should not be understood as only a source of energy saving, but also as a means of creating warmer, more comfortable, and more humane environments that allow for a better development of human activities, of both professional and personal life.

Pollution and Waste Treatment

While our society is reaching the highest levels of development, it is producing larger and larger amounts of trash, waste and contaminants. We are polluting the air with car combustibles, heaters and power stations, polluting our rivers and the sea with non-treated domestic and industrial waters, and polluting the earth with solid urban waste. There is an urgent need to incorporate modern systems of waste and water treatment and water pollution control into current environmental studies.

Geo-biology and bio-construction

The health of human beings has to do with the environment in which we live. Geo-biology of our Western world and Feng Shui in the East have studied the effects of natural magnetic fields of the earth and emissions of materials that surround us, which greatly influence our environment. Changes in the electromagnetic field, be they natural (e.g. faults or water veins) or man-made (e.g. high voltage lines), seriously affect our health. Moreover, materials that are used in construction do not always respond to the demands for natural, healthy, recycled and recyclable materials.

Renewable Energy

Reducing our energy dependency has become a pressing need for humanity: our natural resources can no longer withstand the current rhythm of consumption, nor can the environment bear more contaminating emissions that we expose it to by use of conventional energy. The energy of sun, water and wind is at our service and we must learn to take advantage of these resources.

Environmental Acoustics

Noise and acoustic contamination have become an ulcer for our cities that make exterior spaces unsuitable for life. As such, it has become really necessary to use both natural resources, such as vegetation, as well as artificial resources, such as acoustic panels or underground placement. Moreover, the difficulties that arise from combining ventilation, which is the basis of design in summer conditions, with acoustic insulation call for a thorough study.

Landscaping

A true bioclimatic building is integrated into its environment. A landscaping vision enriches the formal design proposals and helps their integration into the environment. The chromatic analysis and the right choice of vegetation greatly help in this challenge and allow for the creation of a more favorable microclimate.

Sustainable Materials

Sustainable Materials in the current stage of development of bioclimatic architecture, it is essential to thoroughly consider the kind of materials used in building. Life Cycle Analysis of materials, in terms of their use of energy and substances as well as wastes released to the environment, allows to choose the right ones. To use healthy, recycled or at least recyclable materials is the only way to go.

As the Master will be held in Spanish, you can see all the related information in the Spanish section