REFLECTION
Throughout these 14 weeks of the Energy and Architecture module, my understanding of sustainable and energy-efficient architecture has developed significantly. At the beginning, I thought energy efficiency was mainly related to reducing electricity consumption, using green materials, and installing renewable technologies such as solar panels. However, throughout the module, I learned that building performance is influenced by many interconnected factors, including climate, orientation, building envelope, material selection, daylighting, ventilation, building systems, and occupant behaviour. This learning process has strengthened my Discipline Specific Knowledge (TGC 1), as I was able to understand new environmental concepts and apply them to actual architectural studies.
Through the lectures, assignments, and practical analyses, I was introduced to new concepts such as U-value, Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR), energy auditing, and energy-saving strategies. Although some of these technical aspects were challenging at first, they helped me understand how architectural decisions made during the early design stage can have a long-term impact on energy consumption and indoor comfort. The process of analysing environmental problems, interpreting data, and proposing suitable passive and active strategies also developed my Thinking and Problem Solving Skills (TGC 3). Instead of making design decisions based only on assumptions, I learned to consider evidence and environmental performance when developing architectural solutions.
This module has also encouraged me to reflect on my own learning process and become more independent when facing unfamiliar technical topics, which helped me develop my Intrapersonal Skills (TGC 6). Besides gaining technical knowledge, I am grateful for the overall learning experience throughout this semester. I would like to thank my lecturer and tutor, Dr. Jan, for providing informative and inspiring lectures, as well as valuable advice that helped me improve my work. I am also grateful to have met and worked with my groupmates through this module. Supporting one another and completing our group projects together made the learning process more enjoyable and meaningful.
Looking back, I had a great time completing this module, and it is hard to believe that I am already in the third year of my architecture degree. This module has allowed me to see architecture from a different perspective and understand that sustainability should not be treated as an additional feature, but as an important part of the design process. The knowledge, problem-solving skills, and self-reflection that I developed throughout this semester will be valuable in my future studio projects and professional practice. I hope to continue applying these lessons to create architecture that is not only visually appealing, but also comfortable, responsible, and responsive to the environment.