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This course offers a comprehensive examination of socio-ecological systems within the MENA region, approached through the lens of systems thinking. Students will delve into the basics of systems thinking and its crucial application to understanding and addressing the interconnectedness of social and ecological factors, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of environmental challenges.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method and tools, and its critical role in informing environmental design within the built environment, due to the complex range of materials, energy sources, and processes required to construct and manage buildings and infrastructure systems. Given the unique regional urbanization challenges, understanding the whole lifecycle implications of building projects is crucial for both current urban centers and future developments. Students will delve deep into LCA methodologies, from defining objectives to interpreting results, and will gain hands-on experience in performing LCA on real-world projects.

This course discusses the regional challenges (climatic, geographic, scarcity, cultural, socio-economic) affecting construction materials flow, availability, and circularity, and highlights the impact of governance, development plans, and behavioral changes on resource management and waste accumulation. It introduces the importance of circularity, cradle-to-cradle design, and digital technologies in addressing construction materials’ challenges and creating social, economic, and ecological value. It also provides learners with the mindset, tools, and knowledge to assess and achieve the circularity of systems and processes in the built environment.

This module focuses on the notions and key drivers for decarbonization in the built environment. Based on the principles of integrative building delivery process, students will acquire knowledge regarding environmental approaches to the design (or retrofit), operation and recyclable dimensions of buildings. Case studies will be offered to demonstrate real-world applications in the MENA / Gulf and global regions.

In the arid and semi-arid climates of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, building and neighborhood design faces unique challenges, primarily centered around thermal resilience against overheating and the imperative for sustainability. This interdisciplinary course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to design buildings and neighborhoods that are not only resilient to the extreme thermal conditions of the MENA region but also sustainable through the integration of energy-efficient systems.

The capstone project course provides students with an opportunity to integrate their knowledge of sustainability principles and practices within the context of the built environment. Students will work on real-world projects that address sustainability challenges in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and infrastructure. Through this hands-on experience, students will enhance their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills while contributing to sustainable solutions in the built environment.

This course focuses on the key elements of building rating systems, namely LEED and ESTIDAMA/Pearl Building Rating System, and the implementation of sustainability principles throughout the building’s lifecycle using these prevalent rating frameworks. It will also cover the certification process to prepare you to sit for the LEED GA exam.