NEW IDEAS AND TOOLS IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS OF STUDENTS OF ARCHITECTURE. THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SUBJECT TO THE CURRICULUM - NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND METHODS IN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN

Graduate engineering studies must demonstrate knowledge of basic computer programs for architectural design. However, more often on the labor market they are sought after specialists with knowledge in the use of the latest methods, techniques and tools to analyze the efficiency of the buildings, including high-tech tools of computer-aided architectural design. In the second degree studies at the Faculty of Architecture, Silesian University of Technology introduced a new course in which the student has to acquire knowledge and skills in the use of techniques to analyze the efficiency of the buildings, as well as innovative approaches to architectural design, used in the design of passive houses and zero-energy. The aim of the course is to present the relationship between academic research and design practice. The lectures presents the effect of environmental conditions, with particular emphasis on the role of natural light on the process of differentiation and optimization of design concepts and the tools to support the optimization of design solutions at an early concept stage. Project part of the course allowed us to test a variety of simulation tools in order to compare their versatility and reliability.