Construction techniques 3B

Construction 3B

This course deals with the relationship between the field of living and technical systems, mainly those related to comfort. It approaches these relationships through a socio-technical focus on the dynamics of mutual adjustment that are at play. Particular attention is paid to the consequences and issues related to the recent rise of the energy performance benchmark in the construction sector. The links between technical, architectural and living cultures, the design (designed space, indicators, good practices, relationship to indoor climate, energy performance, etc.), and the ways in which spaces are appropriated by their users (living space, perceived and built comfort, rebound effect, energy intelligence, etc.) are addressed.

Structure 3B

see French

Comfort 3B

The course will first focus on a summary of the comfort parameters inside the building, then will focus on aspects related to the composition of the envelope that can have an impact on the quality of comfort for the users of a building. In particular, the concepts of choice of materials (and their potential impacts in health terms), water vapor transfer (and the possible consequences of condensation and mold), and constructive knots ("thermal bridges") will be approached.
In a second step, the notions of building pathologies will be approached, which can also have an impact on the quality of the interior comfort of the building, in particular related to the presence of water (in the form of humidity or infiltration) in the building, and the need for a compliant ventilation system to ensure indoor air quality.

Construction 3B

At the end of the course, the student will be able to :

• Understand what the socio-technical dynamics of living are;
• Reasoning on the relationship between technical systems, architectural culture and the culture of living;
• Understand the political dimension of these relationships with regard to environmental issues centrally, but also social and economic issues;
• Understand the issues at stake in the context of architectural practice.

Structure 3B

see French

Comfort 3B

Evaluate the conformity of the constructive nodes
Understand the water vapor transfer mechanism
Design a compliant ventilation system
Understand the mechanisms linked to the presence of building pathologies
List the health impacts associated with construction

Construction 3B

Cours de confort 1A, 1B, 2B, 3A

Structure 3B

see French

Construction 3B

The course is given in the form of interactive face-to-face lectures. Each session will be available as a podcast on eCampus. Some sessions require the analysis of a text (available online) in preparation for the weekly course. Forums (one transversal and one per thematic module) are set up on eCampus so that students can ask any questions related to the course. These forums operate within a logic of active pedagogy. Students ask questions but also provide answers. Ideally, the teacher only intervenes in the background to validate or redirect the answers provided.

Structure 3B

see French

Comfort 3B

The teaching is mainly composed of "ex cathedra" lessons, and practical work sessions directed by the teacher (question-answer sessions).

Construction 3B

Presential and text analysis

Structure 3B

see French

Comfort 3B

The teaching will be hybrid, depending on health arrangements, and can be done entirely remotely (practical exercises included)

Construction 3B

In case of a yellow code :

• The courses are given in person, and are broadcast in real time on Myunicast and accessible as podcasts on eCampus;
• The evaluation is based on an assignment to be handed in via eCampus > no particular adaptation.

• If the course cannot be held in person, it will be held remotely, live via Blackboard Collaborate;
• Coaching sessions on the formalisation of the work to be handed in are also organised via Blackboard Collaborate;
• The evaluation is based on an assignment to be handed in via eCampus > no particular adaptation.

Comfort 3B

Remote course and assessment, via the Blackboard Collaborate platform. Course recordings will be posted on e-Campus, as well as materials and practical work statements.

Construction 3B

Course materials are made available to students via the eCampus platform. A bibliography adapted to the content of the course, which is recommended but not compulsory, is provided during the sessions.

Structure 3B

see French

Construction 3B

Any session :

- In-person

written exam

- Remote

written work

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred remote


Additional information:

The assessment is based on individual written work, illustrated by graphic supports (panels, photos...), without oral defence. This work consists of a case study whose main problem is left to the student's choice among different proposals. Each proposed problem refers to a specific part of the course and is supported by a reference text. This work is assessed by considering :

• Complex understanding of the reference text (content, approach, objectives...);
• The inclusion of the comments in a sociotechnical reading of architecture and/or living in it;
• The mobilisation of the theoretical contents of the course relevant to the case under analysis;
• Careful attention to form (spelling, syntax, structure, construction of the subject matter, descriptive quality, etc.).

Structure 3B

Any session :

- In-person

written exam

- Remote

written work

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred remote


Additional information:

see French

Comfort 3B

Any session :

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

- Remote

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions ) AND written work

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred remote


Additional information:

The evaluation will be done
- for 50% on the written exam in the form of an open book MCQ (1h)
- for 50% on the basis of 2 practical works requested and carried out during class hours
Everything can be done remotely.

Construction 3B

In order to benefit all students, all questions, answers and discussions about the course content should be asked in class and/or on the eCampus Forums. For the rest, I am accessible via Julie.Neuwels@uliege.be

Comfort 3B

stephane.monfils@uliege.be