SA1 - Structure et architecture (module 1) : Architectural Design and Construction

• This course offers a critical and experimental exploration of wood and concrete as materials capable of structuring, inhabiting, and narrating architectural space. Through a sensitive approach to materiality, students are invited to question constructive logics, artisanal know-how, and contemporary challenges related to sustainability, reversibility, and resource efficiency.
• The topic 2026 explores architectural transformation and urban densification through the study of rooftop extensions and vertical additions to existing buildings.
• Particular attention is given to lightweight timber structures while establishing comparisons with steel and concrete systems. Through architectural case studies and design investigations, students will examine the relationships between architectural design, structural systems, construction constraints, and environmental performance.
• The pedagogical approach focuses on building assessment, project brief development, technical specifications, feasibility studies, quantity surveying, and preliminary cost evaluation.
• The topic 2026 aims to train architects capable of integrating architectural, technical, economic, and environmental considerations into contemporary building transformation projects.
• The course emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and process documentation as tools for both research and design. It aims to train architects who think with their hands, engage in dialogue with materials, and design projects rooted in a conscious and committed constructive culture.

• Explore the materiality of wood and concrete in their constructive, aesthetic, and environmental dimensions.
• Compare timber, steel, and concrete structural systems for vertical additions.
• Understand the typologies of wood joinery, their technical principles, and architectural implications.
• Understand technical, regulatory, and construction constraints related to rooftop extension projects.
• Develop project briefs and technical specifications.
• Prepare quantity take-offs and preliminary cost assessments.
• Develop a critical and sensitive approach to materials within the context of architectural design.
• Promote collaborative work and process documentation as tools for design and research.

Required and Corequired knowledge and skills

Structure et matériaux 1(CNST-P1102), 2(CNST-P1202), 3(CNST-P2102), 4(CNST-P2202), 5(CNST-P3102), 6(CNST-P3202).

Visits, lectures, articles, interactive pedagogy, content and language integrated learning. SA is applied in the frame of links with building material federations and others...

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

Francis D.K. Ching, Building Construction Illustrated, Wiley.
Thomas Herzog et al., Timber Construction Manual, Birkhäuser.
Anne Lacaton & Jean-Philippe Vassal, Freedom of Use.

Course notes

• Université virtuelle

Additional information

Architectural Design and Structure is applied in the frame of links with building material federations.

Contacts

Prof. ir. Geneviève Martin
genevieve.martin@ulb.be
Teacher in Mechanic, Building’s structure and equipment

Campus

Flagey

Method(s) of evaluation

• Personal work
• written examination
• Oral presentation
• Group work
• Written report

Personal work

written examination

• Open question with short answer
• Open question with developed answer
• Closed question with multiple choices (MCQ)
• Closed question True or False (T/F)

Oral presentation

Group work

Written report

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

Works (40%)
Jury(s)/Oral Presentations 40%
Written Exam (Theory) 20%

Language(s) of evaluation

• english
• (if applicable french )