The Polytechnic University of Valencia (Universitat Politècnica de València) launched the Massive Open Online Course “Sustainability in Architecture: An Interdisciplinary Introduction”, starting on July 12^th.

The course introduces the basic elements and trends that define sustainability practices in Architecture today. It follows an interdisciplinary approach that includes performance assessment and urban policies.

The coursework enables students to develop a conceptual neighborhood model for assessing performance and urban policies.

In the first week, participants will learn to develop a conceptual model from the architectural elements of buildings; the basic building block of which will be the performance of materials.

The second week explores methods of optimizing performance. Coursework will detail the needs and constraints inherent in selecting materials and neighborhood urban elements (the second model layer for green, blue and grey infrastructure).

In the third week, learners will develop the basic tools for introducing energy and measuring the potential impact on climate change (CO2). A new layer (third) on our neighborhood stainability model, this will be approached from a global perspective.

In the fourth and final week, the course will explore techniques for a joint assessment directly connected to policy issues.

More information on the course and on how to enrol is available here.