ARCH5421 Advanced Building Systems I
Target Students MArch 1
Course Term 2
Course Type Required
Teacher(s) Nelson TAM
The Progressive Framework
Instructors Zachary Wong and Nelson Tam have reimagined ARCH 5421/5422 as a year-long scaffolded exploration of building technologies synchronized with design studios. In term 2, based on the foundation laid in term 1, the focus is on the building systems-led approach to examine cases on building systems integration.
From Solution to Articulation
Technical requirements are reframed as creative design parameters, while technical resolutions, options to serve the design purpose. For any performance target (e.g., "net zero energy", “transitional housing/school”):
1.Passive/Baseline Approaches: Natural ventilation strategies in Sui Wo Court
2.Active/Engineered Solutions: Fire engineering solution for the Kaitak Stadium
Systems Integration ss Design Synthesis
Aligning with the progress of the studio, students will develop technical resolutions for their design projects following the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday. The focus will be on selecting a key aspect of their project to demonstrate how technological systems can be cohesively integrated to advance architectural intent. This involves addressing a “system integration challenge”—such as:
“How might a structural exoskeleton (structural system) enable column-free gallery spaces (program), reduce embodied carbon (performance), and satisfy fire-rating requirements (compliance)?”
This exercise serves as the ultimate test of students’ ability to synthesize technical knowledge into their design work, transforming structural, environmental, and regulatory constraints into coherent and innovative spatial arguments.
