Duration
10h Th, 35h Pr, 1d FW, 55h Proj.
Number of credits
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Architectural Engineering | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This design studio explores the conception of a sustainable and regenerative building through a systemic and multi-scalar approach, integrating the principles of the circular economy defined by the EN 18177 standard and the criteria of the GRO 2025 framework. The course combines theoretical inputs with hands-on experimentation in bioclimatic design, environmental performance, and circular construction strategies.
Students examine the relationships between density, functional mix, and quality of life while developing architectural solutions for complex programs such as a school or childcare center. The project evolves progressively, from urban integration to the selection of building components, including spatial organization, construction system, and the integration of material, energy, water, and biodiversity flows.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
- Analyze the specific challenges related to the spatial organization of complex educational facilities (schools, nurseries) in Northern Europe from a regenerative sustainability perspective.
- Investigate through design the environmental issues-energy, water, materials-relevant to architecture's contribution to a sustainable city.
- Design a coherent architectural project-both creative and rigorous-across multiple scales of intervention (urban form, built ensemble, building, and envelope).
- Identify the appropriate scales and phases for the progressive development of an architectural project.
- Develop a constructive scenario down to meaningful technical details.
- Defend the architectural project through oral presentation, written explanation, drawings, visualizations, and physical models.
- Translate theoretical knowledge into project development.
- Organize personal work and coordinate within a team to develop, agree upon, and deliver a coherent work plan.
- Access and critically evaluate relevant sources of information.
- Persevere in the face of difficulties or initial errors to reach an optimal solution.
- Document and clearly communicate a design project.
- Plan activities to make the best use of the allocated time.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Compulsory prerequisite courses necessary to be able to enroll in this studio:
- Architectural Studio IA&B (ARCH3270-1 & ARCH0066-2) et IIA&B (ARCH3260-2 & ARCH3261-1)
- Histoire de l'architecture et Histoire de l'urbanisme (ARCH0067-5 & ARCH0071-2)
- Méthodologie du projet architectural I et II (ARCH0002-1 & ARCH0006-2)
- Techniques de construction durable des bâtiments IA&B (ARCH3258-1 & ARCH3259-1)
- Techniques de construction durable des bâtiments II (ARCH0009-3)
- Mécanique des matériaux I (MECA0001-2)
- Matériaux de construction (GCIV0184-5)
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course combines several learning activities designed to progressively integrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills:
- Supervised design studio: project work carried out individually or in groups, supported by regular critiques from the instructor.
- Introductory lecture: presentation of core concepts, regulatory frameworks, and references in sustainable and circular architecture.
- Site visits: critical observation of buildings and urban spaces to analyze spatial, technical, and environmental qualities.
- Desk critiques: one-to-one or small group discussions providing direct feedback on project development.
- Collective discussions: exchanges based on readings, case studies, or precedents.
- Oral presentation and final review: public defense of the project before an academic and/or professional jury, enhancing communication skills.
- Architectural trip or study day: immersive fieldwork designed to strengthen knowledge and stimulate critical reflection.
Activities: theoretical lectures, an integrated project, a construction site visit, or a project site visit.
An architectural trip (3-5 days) is organized during the first semester; an architectural study day (mandatory for first-year students) is organized during the second semester.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
The course is delivered entirely face-to-face.
- Period: September to December (Q1).
- Organization: weekly studio sessions, one lecture, site visits, in-class desk critiques, oral presentations, and a final review.
- Additional resources (readings, documents, visual materials) are provided via the online platform (MyULiège / G-Drive).
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Other site(s) used for course materials
- G-Drive (https://shorturl.at/DdeYb)
Further information:
- Attia, S. (2018) Regenerative and Positive Impact Architecture: Learning from Case Studies, Springer International Publishing, London, UK, ISBN: 978-3-319-66717-1.
- MCDONOUGH, W., & BRAUNGART, M. (2010). Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things.
- Gouvernement flamand, Gouvernement wallon, & Région de Bruxelles-Capitale. (2025). GRO 2025 : Référentiel pour la construction durable des bâtiments publics en Belgique. Bruxelles, Belgique. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://www.grogebouw.be
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Written work / report
Continuous assessment
Out-of-session test(s)
Other : Project Jury
Further information:
Design Studio, Jury, Final Submission
- The evaluation covers 10% of the overall grade of the studio (Site Analysis Report)
- The evaluation covers 25% of the overall grade of the studio (Pre-Jury)
- The evaluation covers 65% of the overall grade of the studio (Final Jury)
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
It is obligatory to inscribe for the course.
Contacts
Guirec Ruellan
Civil engineer-architect, part-time teaching assistant
ARGENTO, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Liège
Building 52, Office: 0/440
13A Allée de la Découverte, B52/3 - Polytech 1 District
4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium
Tel: +32 490 25 81 43 - Email: guirec.ruellan@uliege.be - www.sbd.ulg.ac.be
Charlélie Dagnelie
Civil engineer-architect, part-time teaching assistant
ARGENTO, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Liège
Building 52, Office: 0/440
13A Allée de la Découverte, B52/3 - Polytech 1 District
4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium
Tel: +32 490 25 81 43 - Email: charlelie.dagnelie@uliege.be - www.sbd.ulg.ac.be
Shady Attia
Civil engineer-architect, Professor
ARGENCO, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Liège
Building 52, Office: 0/542
13A Allée de la Découverte, B52/3 - Polytech 1 District
4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium
Tel: +32 4 366 91 55 - Email: shady.attia@uliege.be - www.sbd.ulg.ac.be
Association of one or more MOOCs
Items online
Link
Attia, S. (2018). Regenerative and positive impact architecture: Learning from case studies. Springer International Publishing.