MSc. in Building Technology: A step towards becoming a Sustainable Designer

Aashish Sadaphal (BouT PR and Media committee member 2023–24)

The Building Technology track comprises a comprehensive array of engineering and architectural design competencies that lead to one of the future’s dominant professions: the sustainable designer. This specialized program is designed to cultivate expertise in the development of innovative, sustainable building components and their seamless integration within the built environment.

The primary objective of this master’s track is to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the creation of sustainable, comfortable, and environmentally intelligent smart buildings. This programme stands out internationally because it integrates architectural design with technical disciplines, allowing the students to become a bridge between the intangibility of design and the tangible world of engineering. The curriculum of this program has been meticulously structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various facets of building technology. During the initial months of their academic journey, students are exposed to a wide spectrum of building technology domains at a product level. As they progress through the program, they gradually refine their interests and expertise through practical applications in studios and projects that span spatial, building, and urban scales. The program is divided into four semesters, spanning from MSc 1 to MSc 4.

In the first semester (MSc 1), students engage in an immersive learning experience that entails the development of academic competencies and technical knowledge. This is achieved through core building technology subjects, seminars, and participation in the Bucky Lab engineering and design studio, which culminates in a hands-on project construction experience at a 1:1 scale.

In the subsequent semester (MSc 2), students leverage their experiences and exposure to building technology to hone their specific interests. In the first quarter of this semester, students have the opportunity to select from a range of technical electives offered by the building technology track. These electives encompass subjects such as Bridge Design, Zero-energy design, Climate design, Facade design, Design informatics, and 1:1 interactive architectural prototypes, thereby laying the groundwork for the application of concepts at the spatial level. To comprehend the intricacies of integrated design, students also participate in studios such as EXTREME technology or MEGA during the second quarter, where they apply the skills acquired from the elective courses. EXTREME technology Studio focuses on construction in extreme conditions, whether related to climate, location, or function. In contrast, the MEGA design studio addresses the challenges posed by large-scale, multifunctional buildings, entailing complex design and engineering considerations.

Moving into the first quarter of MSc 3, the focus shifts towards understanding the applications of Building Technology at an Urban Scale. Students can choose between the CORE and the SWAT studio for their academic pursuits. CORE primarily focuses on Design Computation in an architectural and structural design context, with emphasis on building technologies. It addresses various scales within the built environment, ranging from urban to building products and services, and by paying attention to environmental, social, cultural, and ethical aspects. The SWAT studio is designed as a sustainable urban design intervention project that confronts urban challenges with technical innovation. Structured as an intensive two-week workshop, this studio centers on the mapping and comprehension of the urban dynamics of specific locations, from which students develop individual projects targeting specific issues.

From the second quarter of MSc 3 until the end of MSc 4, students are fully dedicated to the Building Technology Graduation Studio within the building technology track. This studio presents an extensive array of topics within overarching themes such as Structural Design, Climate Design, Façade and product Design, and Design Informatics.

Beyond the academic realm, the Building Technology master’s track hosts its own Student Practice Association known as BouT. BouT serves as a representative body for the Department of Architectural Engineering and Technology at TU Delft. BouT is deeply committed to enriching the educational and social experiences of students through various avenues, including education initiatives, events, study trips, establishing industry relationships, managing public relations and media outreach, and publishing Rumoer, the building technology periodical.

For additional information regarding the Building Technology track or to connect with students and board members, please feel free to contact BouT at [email protected] or visit our website at bouttudelft.nl.