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UEL invites architecture students to keep their cool

Tuesday 19 October 2010

UEl Architecture students

Students from across the country have taken part in an innovative event, hosted by the University, aimed at exploring how new approaches towards architectural design can protect the environment.

The ‘PassiveHaus’ Student Conference held at the University's Docklands campus gave MA architecture: sustainability & design students the opportunity to present their work and discuss how it could be put to practical use in reducing carbon emissions

In the run up to the conference, students also built two test cells, one to standard Building Regulations, and the other to 'Passivhaus' standards, in order to take part in ‘the Ice challenge’.

A large piece of ice (13kg) was placed into each cell to compare how quickly it would melt, while the internal and external temperatures were monitored. After almost 40 hours of melting time, the ‘Passivhaus’ test cell was shown to be considerably better at keeping its cool

Sofie Pelsmakers, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, said: “We were delighted to be able to host this event. It gave the students a real insight into how innovative, creative design, can provide tangible benefits to the environment by helping us to reduce carbon emissions”.

To watch a video of the experiments follow this link

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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