The four focus areas of the MSc ISD programme are integrated into a curriculum structure that fleshes out the challenges of Asia and offers an approach to tackling them. The centrepiece of the programme are two project-based courses in which students are tasked with a complex real-world problem. These two courses are backed by four lecture courses in which sustainability-related paradigms, principles, and strategies are critically examined.
To be awarded the degree, a candidate must attain 40 units made up of the following:
This course relies on project-based learning to develop skills for systems-thinking. Students are grouped into teams to work on problems at the building scale (ISD5101) or the neighbourhood/precinct scales (ISD5102). The project presents problem of spatial, technological, and material systems, and specific economic, social and ecological imperatives. Singapore-based experts are invited to guide students along the way in areas requiring specialist knowledge, with industry partners often called in to participate in discussions. Visits to local projects are scheduled in this and other courses. The proposals that emerge from this exercise are varied and reflect, in part, cohort mix and individual backgrounds. Most students investigate a deeper integration of architecture, urban design and planning with energy, water and food systems. Some generate new typologies, morphologies and infrastructure to accommodate these systems; others formulate new policies to drive cities towards self-sufficiency and resilience. All are taught to frame the impact of their decisions in both quantitative and qualitative ways, and appraise problems from multiple vantage points.
This course takes a critical look at the rise of the Green building movement in tropical Asia, asking if it has, in recent decades, addressed the challenges of climate change and urbanisation. Tracing the environmental trend from the 20th century to present day, students are exposed to various principles and positions. A deep dive into the Green movement reveals its underlying worldview. Alternate perspectives are reviewed. Multiple examples of built projects in Asia are presented and debated.
The imperative of density is deliberated; questions are raised on how new forms of high-density urbanism might lead to solutions for Asia.
ISD5106
SUSTAINABILITY MODELS AND BIO-CENTRIC DESIGN FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The course looks at past, present and future paradigms of the global sustainability movement with emphasis on the regenerative approach to design and development. Here, the purposeful union of social and ecological systems is investigated as an approach. The role of nature, in particular, is summarised and expanded to include biomimicry and ecosystem services as drivers of design-thinking.
This course explores energy demand at the scales of the building and neighbourhood, and its relationship to spatial form and choice of mechanical-electrical systems. It probes how power is generated, transmitted, utilised, and reclaimed. It questions reliance on fossil fuels which is primary cause of global warming. It paints broad picture of energy in its various forms, how demand is shaped by decisions at the drawing-board. Several high-performing buildings are visited and discussed.
This course examines the challenge of urbanisation in Asia. The Singapore model of urbanism is introduced and reviewed, as a launch pad for discussion. It is coupled with an overview of historical and economic forces that have shaped the growth of Asian cities, by way of decisions that have had direct and indirect social and environment impact.
Electives are courses students select to augment core learning. Most MSc ISD students opt for courses from postgraduate courses in the College of Design and Engineering, related to environmental design and sustainable development. At the start of each semester, the Programme Director releases list of preapproved electives.
For more information on the programme, please visit bit.ly/nusdoa_mscisd
