The aim of the course is the knowledge and understanding of basic concepts and issues regarding the function, construction and energy performance of building skins that will allow the students to elaborate in the field of environmental design through:

1. The study of good practice architectural examples known for their good management of energy resources and the proper use of energy systems and mainly for the achievement  of an interesting architectural proposal in the line with environmental efficiency. Special attention will be paid to the analysis and understanding of the materiality and the construction of the proposals discussed, the use of new materials and the new construction methods used on these examples.
2. A small-scale design project whereby they will investigate the integration of systems and implementation of principles and strategies through a holistic approach in order to achieve a sustainable building skin.

The course “Contemporary Aspects of the Design of Sustainable Building Skins I: Theory” must have been successfully completed in order to assist this course. Knowledge and understanding of basic concepts and issues on building physics will allow students to investigate in depth:

1. New materials, new construction methods and applications, Renewable Energy Sources, building intelligence.
2. Good practice architectural examples known for their good management of energy resources and the proper use of energy systems.
3. Implementation of the above in a design project, on which they will elaborate during the semester.

The eminence of the chosen building lies in the balance between their architectural qualities and the ways in which they manage and save energy construction.

The course includes lectures and presentations of these examples as well as tutorials and reviews on the design project of sustainable building skin on which the students will elaborate with the help of their tutors.