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Course Detail

Course Name Building Physics & Energy Modelling
Course Code 25ARC304
Program 5-Year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
Semester 5
Credits 2
Campus Coimbatore

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Building Physics

Principles of heat, light, sound, and moisture in the built environment; Understanding building envelopes and their role in performance; Energy flows in buildings: conduction, convection, radiation.

Module 2: Thermal Comfort & Energy Basics

Thermal comfort indices: PMV, PPD, adaptive comfort models; Psychrometric charts and human comfort analysis; Basic energy use in buildings: EUI, HVAC loads, passive vs. active strategies.

Module 3: Daylighting & Acoustics

Daylighting concepts: daylight factor, daylight autonomy, glare; Simple daylighting calculations for design; Basics of architectural acoustics: sound absorption, reverberation, noise control.

Module 4: Energy Modelling Tools & Applications

Introduction to energy modelling software (e.g., Climate Consultant, DesignBuilder, OpenStudio, Ladybug Tools); Modelling building envelope, shading, natural ventilation, and daylight performance; Generating energy analysis reports to inform design.

Module 5: Integration with Design Studio

Using building physics and simulation results to refine studio projects; Case studies of high-performance buildings in India and globally; Critical evaluation of design options based on performance data.

Objectives and Outcomes

Course Objectives

  • To introduce students to fundamental principles of building physics including heat transfer, moisture, acoustics and daylighting.
  • To develop the ability to analyze energy performance of buildings using computational modelling tools.
  • To familiarize students with thermal comfort indices, daylight factors, and energy efficiency metrics.
  • To train students in using energy modelling software for basic performance analysis of buildings.
  • To integrate building physics insights into design decision-making for sustainable architecture.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to:

CO1:

Interpret heat, light, sound, and moisture phenomena in buildings and their implications on performance and comfort.

CO2 :

Analyze thermal comfort conditions using psychrometric charts and adaptive comfort models.

CO3:

Perform basic energy modelling for building envelope, daylighting and ventilation using simulation tools.

CO4:

Evaluate energy efficiency strategies and propose design improvements for better performance.

CO5:

Integrate simulation findings into design decisions, ensuring sustainable and user-responsive built environments.

 

 

PO1

PO2

PO3

PO4

PO5

PO6

PO7

PO8

PO9

PO10

PO11

PSO1

PSO2

PSO3

CO1

3

2

–

3

3

2

–

–

1

–

–

2

–

–

CO2

3

2

3

3

2

2

–

–

1

–

–

2

3

–

CO3

3

2

3

3

2

3

–

–

2

2

–

–

3

3

CO4

2

–

3

3

3

3

–

3

1

2

–

–

3

3

CO5

3

2

2

3

3

3

–

2

3

2

–

–

3

3

Evaluation Pattern

Evaluation Pattern

Assessment

Internal/External

Weightage

Continuous Assessment

Internal

30%

Mid-Semester Jury

Internal

20%

End-Semester Jury

External

50%

Text Books / References

Reading Material

  1. Szokolay, S.V. Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design. Routledge.
  2. Koenigsberger, O.H. Manual of Tropical Housing and Building. Orient Blackswan.
  3. Arvind Krishan et al. Climate Responsive Architecture. TERI Press.
  4. Givoni, B. Climate Considerations in Building and Urban Design. Wiley.
  5. Reinhart, C. Daylighting Handbook: Fundamentals and Designing with the Sun. Solemma.
  6. US DOE & NREL Manuals on EnergyPlus and OpenStudio.

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