Course overview
This course is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the services deployed in buildings, the factors that drive their use, the planning, design, construction and operational choices that influence capital costs, life cycle performance and associated impacts on other public infrastructure. As construction managers, students will gain empathy for this critical element of buildings of all kinds, serving as a basis for delivering projects in the full spectrum of engagement; from full development and design and construct, through to project management, classical construction only and facilities management contracts.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the operation of building service systems such as water, power, and drainage systems and factors affecting their connection to public infrastructure
- Define building service systems - including mechanical, electrical, vertical transportation, communication and hydraulic services - in different kinds of buildings
- Discuss the impacts of building services on construction planning and project management in the context of different project types and delivery methods
- Analyse the factors impacting building performance such as lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality
- Identify the main cost drivers in the delivery of services in buildings and be aware of their impact on Total Building Performance
- Summarise environmental impacts of buildings and approaches to reduce impacts
- Discuss the interactions between service, building performance, and environmental impacts and propose strategies to ensure good building performance with low environmental impacts