Built Environment

Built Environment


Environmental Design

Introduction to Building Physics
UG
Sustainability is addressed by understanding the physical principles that govern energy consumption and environmental performance in buildings.
Principles of Architectural Science
UG
Sustainability is explored through the integration of scientific principles to create energy-efficient and environmentally responsible building designs.
Energy Efficient Design
UG
The focus is on reducing energy consumption in buildings through thoughtful design choices, contributing to long-term sustainability.
Performance of Interior Spaces
UG
Sustainability in this unit focuses on creating interior spaces that optimize energy use and support occupant health and well-being.
Building Services
UG
Sustainability is incorporated by designing building systems that are efficient, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact.
Advanced Lighting Design
UG
Sustainability is achieved by incorporating energy-efficient lighting systems and design strategies that reduce energy consumption.
Advanced Acoustics Studies
UG
Sustainability is considered by training future professionals to improve sound quality with eco-friendly materials.
Lighting
PG
Sustainability is approached through energy-efficient lighting solutions that reduce power usage and environmental impact.
Acoustics and Noise Control
PG
This unit emphasizes sustainable building practices by using eco-friendly materials to manage noise and reduce energy consumption.
Ventilation
PG
Sustainability in ventilation involves using energy-efficient methods to ensure proper air quality and reduce energy consumption.
Building Fabric and Retrofitting
PG
Sustainability is addressed by improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings through retrofitting and optimizing building materials.
Computational Modeling
PG
Sustainability is incorporated through simulations that help optimize energy use, resource management, and environmental performance in buildings.
Integrated Design for Services in Buildings
PG
Sustainability is emphasized through the integration of building systems to minimize energy consumption and environmental footprint.
The Built Environment: Aesthetics and Sustainability
PG
This unit focuses on the integration of sustainable practices within the aesthetic design of the built environment to minimize environmental impact.
Environmental Wind Engineering
PG
Sustainability is addressed by utilizing wind energy and optimizing building design for energy efficiency through environmental wind considerations.
Advanced Architectural Science 1
PG
Sustainability is embedded through advanced architectural techniques that focus on reducing energy consumption and improving environmental impact.
Advanced Architectural Science 2
PG
Similar to the first, this unit emphasizes sustainable architecture by advancing design practices to enhance energy efficiency and resource conservation.

Spatial Planning & Infrastructure

Introduction to Infrastructure Planning and Engineering
UG
Sustainable Mobility
Sustainable and Responsive Planning
UG
Alternatives to Automobility, Public transport, Alterntive fuels, Sustainable freight transport, Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans
Introduction to Road Transport
UG
Sustainable Mobility
Road Infrastructure 1
UG
Design of road infrastructure for all road users including vulnerable road users and access for all
Road Infrastructure 2
UG
A project based module where principles of sustainable mobility, safety and access for all are applied to a real life case study
Transport Engineering 1
PG
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems incorporated wthin roads, streets and public spaces
Transport Engineering 2
PG
Road Safety, Sustainable use of road construction materials and Adaptation to Climate Change
Introduction to Sustainable Development
UG
Introduction of the principles of sustainable development with particular emphasis on the built and natural environment
Introduction to Spatial Planning
UG
Three Pillars of SD in Spatial Planning
Urban Design Theory and Practice
UG
Discusses principles of green urbanism as one of the fundamental dimensions of urban design, introducing basic principles to be developed further through SPI5714 at postgraduate level and also discusses basic sustainable mobility aspects as part of a wider discussion on the functional dimension of urban design.
Environmental and Planning Legislation
UG
Principles of SD in Environmental and Planning Legislation
Urban Design and Spatial Continuum
PG
As part of a broader understanding of the city scale and the urban conurbation in Malta, the study unit delves into the layers of the contemporary city, in all its complexity, with sustainable mobility featuring in its discussion of the movement layer. Discussions of other city layers enable an understanding of the complexity of mobility when interrelating with other issues such as urban structure, morphology, density, land use, environmental factors and character. Students are asked to study the Maltese conurbation with this layering in mind, enabling them to contextualise sustainable mobility issues within a broader milieu.
Advanced Urban Design Theory and Practice
PG
Principles of SD in Urban Design. Governance considerations in the delivery of more sustainable environments.
Sustainable Urban Design and Development
PG
This study-unit in its entirety is central to understanding sustainable development as a key component of urban design and spatial planning. It critically explores sustainability concepts, principles, and indicators through a mix of lectures, seminars, and workshops, emphasizing urban ecology and sustainable urban interventions. Students engage with real-world case studies and participate in applied design research to address community needs while advancing sustainability. The unit also examines the philosophical foundations of sustainability, systems thinking, governance, and equity, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to analyze, design, and implement sustainable urban strategies.
Hydrology and Water Resources
UG
The management of natural water resources in a sustainable manner to reflect the hydrological cycle. Promotes the concept of reuse of stormwater generated by developments as close as possible to the place of origin.
Civil Engineering Hydraulics
UG
Design of structures to hold water generated from development for subsequent reuse. Design of sewerage systems to collect, direct and store for reuse stormwater generated from development.
Water Resources and Waste Management
UG
Further management of water resources to ensure their sustainable use through appropriate demand management. The management of solid waste generated from developments in order to reduce waste generated, resue products and recycle materials to lengthen their life cycle in the economy.
Sustainable Resources Management 1
PG
The sustainable management of waste waters and solid waste to view them as a resource and not as a waste
Sustainable Resources Management 2
PG
Reducing the environmental impact of development on the environment within the context of climate neutral buildings and their reduced carbon footprint.
Basic Sustainability and Resilience in Practice
UG
Continuous professional development programme for Infrastructure Malta's technical and administrative. staff It aims to look at the implications of mobility on a number of disciplines not least sustainable development, economics, social implications and environmental aspects.
Advanced Sustainability and Resilience in Practice
PG
A continuous professional development programme for Infrastructure Malta's professional staff. Professionals designing mobility projects today face a number of challenges beyond the technical aspect of the project. It is even more important to consider issues such as sustainability, including economic, social and environmental issues, quality and risk as well as the engagement of the different stakeholders who have a claim to the use of the road – pedestrians, cyclists, two and four wheel vehicles, electric cars as well as commercial vehicles. This module will provide learners with an overview of these considerations and how to factor them at the earliest stage of the design process.
Planning for Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility
UG
This study unit gives a brief overview of the main principles of sustainable mobility and open space planning with a focus on adopting an integrated approach to planning as a means to sustainable development. Secondly it discusses various policy approaches in dealing with contemporary urban challenges particularly relating to, sustainable mobility and the planning of open space with a focus on urban green infrastructure as a planning approach. It also looks into local mechanisms relating to the planning of sustainable mobility and open space.

Visual Arts

Visual Designs Tools 1
Diploma
The Diploma in Design Studies (DDs) equips students with essential visual literacy and communication skills across various disciplines such as architecture, engineering, product design, media and communications, information and communication technology, conservation, and the visual arts. With rapid urban development, sustainable design has become crucial in mitigating the negative effects of poor aesthetic and environmental decisions. Students refine their visual intelligence and spatial awareness through both theoretical and hands-on learning; the hybrid form of training in both analogue and digital media helps them be autonomous in both realms. This programme fosters creativity while integrating traditional and emerging technologies to support the evolving creative industries
Visual Designs Tools 2
Diploma
The Diploma in Design Studies (DDs) equips students with essential visual literacy and communication skills across various disciplines such as architecture, engineering, product design, media and communications, information and communication technology, conservation, and the visual arts. With rapid urban development, sustainable design has become crucial in mitigating the negative effects of poor aesthetic and environmental decisions. Students refine their visual intelligence and spatial awareness through both theoretical and hands-on learning; the hybrid form of training in both analogue and digital media helps them be autonomous in both realms. This programme fosters creativity while integrating traditional and emerging technologies to support the evolving creative industries

https://www.um.edu.mt/about/sustainability/research/study-units/ben/