BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS

DESIGN I
(BPS105P):
SYSTEMS DESIGN THINKING AND BUILDING STRUCTURES

Department of Architecture & Industrial Design

Tshwane University of Technology

Designed by Tariené Gaum August

2021 (Revised August 2023)
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

MODULE OVERVIEW

AIM:
The aim of this module is to acquire sufficient knowledge on the basic theory of structures, building
physics and systems design thinking to use as design guidelines for maximising sustainability efforts
in the Built Environment.

This module further aims to create awareness and understanding of Sustainable Built Environments.
For example, Resource efficiency, passive design principals, local climate conditions and physical
building structures.

OUTCOMES:
On completion of this module the student should have sufficient knowledge on the basics of
structures, use of passive design principles, sustainable built environment thinking and be able to
incorporate these theories into Architectural Design I and Construction I modules.

This module will also enable students to design and develop sustainable models for their design
projects and discuss optimal design options for resource efficiency in the built environment.
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

CORE SYLLABUS
Subject: Building Physics & Systems Design I

Course: Semester course

Subject code: BPS105P + BPS005P (foundation)

Instructional programme: BTPSF0, BPARF1, BTPS09, BPAR17

Evaluation: Continuous

SAQA data NSB12 NQF level 5 Credits 12 Core

BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

COURSE STRUCTURE

BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I (BPS105P)

NO COURSE THEME AND TOPICS TIME FRAME
1. Systems Design Part A: Understanding the basic principles of 7 Weeks
sustainable thinking and passive design principles
2. Building Physics: Understanding the basic concept of Structures 6 Weeks

Examination preparation 1 Week

TOTAL: 14 Weeks

(Total tuition time: ± 60 hours)

BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

STRUCTURES:

Systems Design Part A: Understanding the basic principles of

1 7 Weeks
sustainable thinking and passive design principles
1 Introduction to sustainable thinking and Global Climate Change.
Situating student in current thinking (Green principles & assignment 1) 1

2 Macroclimate (South African NEW Energy Zones, Movement of earth around sun,
solar altitude and azimuth, building envelope and Vernacular architecture) 2

3 Micro climate (Landscape, neighboring buildings, anabatic and katabatic winds,

3
ridges, crests, slopes, albedo, moisture and wind) SELF STUDY (COMPUTERS WEEK)
4 Building Response to Micro and Macro Climate – Part 1 +2:
4
Passive cooling, light and Natural ventilation
5 Building Response to Micro and Macro Climate – Part 1:
5
Heat energy and heat transfer + Thermal comfort
6 Building Response to Micro and Macro Climate – Part 2:
Heat energy and heat transfer mechanisms (Calculations) 6

7 Semester Test 01
7
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS COURSE:

2 Building Physics: Understanding the basic concept of Structures 6 Weeks

8 Introduction to the basics of structures: Building exercise 1
9 Basic Structures:
2
Forces, loads and moments in a building
10 Basic Structures:
3
Beams, compression & tension, neutral axis and bending moments
11 Basic Structures:
4
Columns, foundations and retaining walls and Trusses
12 Semester Test 02
5

13 Extra class session: Available for crits on the Passive design principle assignment for
6
the upcoming exams.

EXAMINATION PREPARATION WEEK 7

BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

EVALUATION _ ASSESSMENT METHODS

ASSESSMENT METHODS + CRITERIA:

Continuous Evaluation subject , according to the TUT Prospectus.
ALL work done during the course (semester) will contribute toward the final mark.

YEAR MARKS & ASSIGNMENTS:

 Assignments will be handed to students to complete and marks given.
 Impromptu and formal tests will count towards the year mark.
 If a candidate does not hand in a project on time, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

 Valid reasons: Legitimate medical certificate/report, police report or court case attendance
certificate.
 Documentation must be handed in to the relevant lecturer within three (3) working days.
 Only for 25% or a quarter of the year are allowed to be missed due to misfortune.
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

EVALUATION _ FINAL YEAR MARK

5%
Class Attendance

20%
Assignment 1(Ching)

25% 60%
Assignment 2 (Video) Ye a r

F i n a l Ye a r 30%
MAIN Assignment 3
Mark
25%
Assignment 4 (Bridge)

20%
SEMESTER TEST 1 (Systems Design)

20%
SEMESTER TEST 2 (Structures)
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

CONDUCT & ATTENDANCE

Class attendance of 80% is expected as per the TUT Policy.

WHAT DOES CLASS ATTENDANCE MEAN?
 “Class attendance” refers to an act of being present in class for lectures, group lectures, tutorials,
seminars, practical sessions and excursions that form part of students’ study programmes.

ATTENDANCE REGISTER
• An attendance register will be circulated during every class for students to sign as proof.
• It is the responsibility of the student to sign the attendance register whilst it is in circulation.

1 Attendance Register BArch_Year 1

DATE NAME AND SURNAME STUDENT NUMBER SIGNATURE

If 80% attendance is not met, the student will not be allowed to enter Exams
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

CLASS RULES AND REGULATIONS

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES:
 Who is your Class Representatives?
 Class list: Name, Surname, Student number, Contact number and Email address

COMMUNICATION:
 All communication will be channelled through the class representatives.
 DO NOT contact me privately without talking to your class representative first.
 Follow the Departments Line Function (Discussed at State of the Nation address).

In this class we will always respect each other

(work, contributions, knowledge & time)
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

YEAR PROGRAMME AND PLANNING

BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

COVID-19

TEACHING AND LEARNING APPROACHES

On campus
Normal face to face (f2f) teaching
Hard copy hand out and submissions

Off campus
Pre-recorded Lectures
PowerPoints with class notes and extra reading materials
Live online discussions (Zoom, BB collaborate ultra, myTUTor)
WhatsApp / Email submissions and communication

PLEASE CHECK YOUR ITS REGISTRATION + D2L ACCESS TO BUILDING PHYSICS I

BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

LECTURERS DETAIL

Lecture: Estelle Krynauw

Email: [email protected]
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

SYSTEMS DESIGN THINKING MODULE

BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE CHANGE

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

TRENDING SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS / MOVEMENTS?

BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

HISTORY OF SUSTAINABILITY

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

SUSTAINABILITY
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?

 The term sustainability has a multidisciplinary use and meaning. In dictionaries, sustainability is
typically described by many sources as a capability of a system to endure and maintain itself.

HISTORY ECOLOGY

SOCIETY BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

LOCAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISASTERS / HEALTHY DIVERSE PRODUCTIVE

GROWTH SUCCESS CRISES

Resolved = Sustainability Not resolved Healthy wetlands Long-lived forests

= Decline
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

HISTORY OF SUSTAINABILITY

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY HISTORY

In 1989, a Swedish
scientist thought “what
if we managed to get a
group of scientists
together and to agree
on what sustainability
means, based on
science and
thermodynamics?” So
he did. After many
drafts, a group of 50
scientists agreed on a
few key things.
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

DEFINE SUSTAINABILITY

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

“Sustainable development is the development that meets

the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own need”
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

SUSTAINABILITY EXPLAINED

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

SUSTAINABILITY
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

SUSTAINABLE THINKING

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABLE THINKING IN GREEN BUILDINGS

In the span of a few years, the planning, design, and construction fields have been swept up in a
dynamic discussion of sustainability and green buildings.

Sustainability is about the promises of things that will last:

•Buildings - long and useful
•Energy forms - renewable
•Communities - endure

Green building is about turning the promises of sustainability into reality

DEVELOP STRATEGIES
ENVIRONMENTAL
CHALLENGES ADDRESS CHALLENGES
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

SUSTAINABILITY
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Environmental challenges motivating us to re-evaluate how we plan, design, and construct buildings:
•Air and water pollution from fossil fuels
•Impact from nuclear power plant accidents
•Energy use for the future
•Human illness from toxic chemicals - building materials
•Climate change

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS

Impacts of climate change include extreme weather events such as:
•Increased cyclone activity
•Longer, more frequent rain
•More intense heat waves
•Reduced snow cover
•More frequent coastal and inland flooding
•Loss of biodiversity
•Water availability for human consumption
•Threatened agriculture
•Reduced energy generation.
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

CLIMATE CHANGE

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

SUSTAINABILITY
CLIMATE CHANGE

Major cause of climate change is increasing

concentrations of GHG by human activities:
• Deforestation
• Changes in land use
• Burning of fossil fuels

GHG (water vapour)

CO₂ CH₄ N₂O

THERMAL BLANKET

GREENHOUSE EFFECT
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

GREEN BUILDINGS

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

GREEN BUILDING PRINCIPLES - CHING

WHAT IS A GREEN BUILDING
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

GREEN BUILDINGS

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

GREEN BUILDING
WHAT IS A GREEN BUILDING

“What is a green building?” takes many forms:

•Is a green building one that is greener than it could have been?
•Is a green building one that meets a green building standard?
•Is a green building one that has low or zero negative impact on the environment & human health?
•Should all buildings be green?
•Are green buildings a passing trend?
•Do green buildings stay green over time?

The answer to “What is a green building?” is still evolving, BUT:

DESIGNING
IS THIS A
PLANNING GREENER
APPROACH?
BUILDING
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

GREEN BUILDING GOALS

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

GREEN BUILDING
GREEN BUILDING GOALS
There are many goals that motivate the planning and design of green buildings.

ENVIRONMENTAL The deterioration of the environment

DEGRADATION through depletion of resources.

Goals addressing environmental degradation through:

• Mitigate global warming through energy conservation, reduce GHG emissions, and carbon
sequestration.
• Minimize environmental impacts from extraction of coal, natural gas, and oil.
• Reduce pollution of air, water, and soil
• Protect clean water sources
• Reduce light pollution
• Protect natural habitats and biological diversity
• Prevent unnecessary and irreversible conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses
• Protect topsoil and reduce the impacts of flooding
• Reduce use of landfills
• Reduce risk of nuclear contamination
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

GREEN BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

SUSTAINABILITY
THREE PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY IN GREEN BUILDINGS

• Improve indoor air quality

• Water efficiency
• Increase thermal comfort
• Reduce noise pollution
• Energy conservation

• Follow fair labour practices • Reduce energy costs

• Access for the disabled • Improve productivity
• Protect parklands • Create green jobs
• Preserve historic structures • Increase marketing appeal
• Provide affordable housing
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

GREEN BUILDING EXPLAINED

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

SUSTAINABILITY
HISTORY OF GREEN BUILDINGS
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

SUSTAINABILITY EXPLAINED

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

INTERESTING FACTS
WORLD OVERSHOOT DAY
02 AUGUST 2023

Footprint calculator:
http://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

ASSIGNMENT

HISTORY / SUSTAINABILITY / GREEN BUILDINGS

ASSIGNMENT 1: CHING ( HAND IN: WEDNESDAY 06 SEPTEMBER 2023)
BUILDING PHYSICS AND SYSTEMS DESIGN I: Introduction to sustainable thinking (BPS105P)

QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS?