LES 01: MATERIALS AND CRITERIA
SLIDE 1 – INDOOR SPACES
This course is called Indoor Spaces: A pragmatic approach to designing
indoor spaces based on regenerative building physics concepts. The
objective of the course is to understand how materials, building concepts
and performance requirements interact when designing indoor
environments. Rather than focusing only on aesthetics or architectural form,
the course approaches architecture from the perspective of building physics.
Every design decision has consequences for acoustics, thermal performance,
fire safety, structural behaviour and environmental impact.
The central idea is that a building should not only be structurally stable but
should also provide comfortable, healthy and sustainable spaces for its
users. Throughout the course, different construction systems will be
analysed and compared in terms of their performance. The emphasis is
placed on understanding the physical principles behind these systems rather
than memorising isolated solutions.
SLIDE 2 – CONTENTS
The course is divided into five major chapters. The first chapter introduces
the general philosophy of indoor environmental design and regenerative
architecture. The second chapter focuses on materials and performance
criteria. Before selecting a material, it is necessary to understand the
requirements that the material must satisfy.
The third chapter studies wall systems. Different wall concepts will be
analysed from the perspective of acoustics, thermal insulation, fire
resistance and structural behaviour. The fourth chapter focuses on floor
systems. Floors are generally more complex because they must resist
structural loads while simultaneously controlling airborne and impact sound
transmission. The final chapter studies façade systems, which form the
interface between indoor and outdoor environments.
SLIDE 3 – INTRODUCTION
Before discussing materials and construction systems, it is important to
understand the overall objective of building design. A building is not simply a
structure that provides shelter. It must create comfortable, healthy and safe
indoor environments while minimising environmental impact. Modern
,architecture therefore requires a balance between technical performance,
human comfort and sustainability.
SLIDE 4 – QUALITY OF A BUILDING
When discussing the quality of a building, it is important to understand that
quality is not determined solely by appearance. In this course, three major
criteria define building quality.
The first criterion is the comfort of the user. A building must provide a
comfortable indoor environment. Comfort includes thermal comfort, acoustic
comfort, visual comfort and the overall perception of the indoor space. Even
a visually attractive building can be considered poor quality if users
constantly experience overheating, noise problems or discomfort.
The second criterion concerns health requirements. Buildings directly
influence human health. Indoor air quality, moisture control, daylight
availability and exposure to harmful substances all affect the well-being of
occupants. Modern buildings are therefore expected to actively support
healthy living and working conditions.
The third criterion is sustainability. Sustainability must be understood within
economic, ecological and sociological boundaries. The objective is not only to
reduce environmental impact but also to ensure long-term economic viability
and social value.
The slide introduces an additional concept: regenerative architecture.
Sustainable architecture attempts to reduce negative impacts. Regenerative
architecture goes further by actively contributing to environmental
restoration and improvement. The objective is to create buildings that
improve ecological systems while simultaneously enhancing human well-
being. A regenerative building should therefore have a net positive impact
rather than simply a reduced negative impact.
SLIDE 5 – REGENERATIVE ARCHITECTURE: GLOBAL VIEW
Regenerative architecture is based on the idea that buildings should not only
minimise environmental damage but should actively improve ecological
systems. The first principle is therefore the restoration and improvement of
the environment. A regenerative building should contribute positively to
biodiversity, water cycles and ecosystem health.
The second principle is the improvement of human well-being. Buildings
should support physical health, mental health and overall quality of life
through better indoor environments.
2
,The third principle is the adoption of a holistic approach. Every phase of the
building life cycle must be considered, including design, construction,
operation, maintenance, adaptation and eventual deconstruction. Decisions
made during one stage can influence environmental performance throughout
the entire life cycle.
The fourth principle is that regenerative architecture requires a combination
of strategies. No single material or technology can make a building
regenerative on its own. Successful projects combine multiple approaches
adapted to the specific context.
The fifth principle is the evaluation of materials throughout their complete
life cycle. Materials should be assessed according to extraction, production,
transportation, use and disposal. This is typically achieved through Life Cycle
Assessment, commonly abbreviated as LCA.
SLIDE 6 – REGENERATIVE ARCHITECTURE
The course provides several examples of regenerative strategies that can be
applied in building design. These examples are important because they show
that regenerative architecture is not a single technique but rather a
combination of different approaches.
One of the most important strategies is Passive Design. Passive design aims
to optimise natural lighting, natural ventilation and thermal comfort. The
objective is to reduce the need for mechanical systems by making better use
of natural processes. Large windows can provide daylight, carefully designed
openings can support natural ventilation, and the use of thermal mass can
help stabilise indoor temperatures. By relying on natural phenomena, energy
consumption can be reduced significantly.
Another strategy is the development of Net-Zero Energy Buildings. These
buildings produce as much renewable energy as they consume during a
typical year. Solar panels are often used to generate electricity, while highly
insulated envelopes reduce energy demand. The goal is to achieve an annual
energy balance close to zero.
The course also discusses Biophilic Design. This design approach seeks to
reconnect occupants with nature. Examples include green roofs, living walls,
indoor plants and views towards natural landscapes. Research has shown
that contact with nature can reduce stress, improve concentration and
contribute to better mental health. Therefore, biophilic design is not only
beneficial for biodiversity but also for the occupants themselves.
A fourth strategy is Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting. Water
consumption can be reduced through efficient fixtures and irrigation
systems. Rainwater can be collected, stored and reused for applications that
3
, do not require drinking water quality. This reduces pressure on local water
resources and contributes to more sustainable water management.
The use of Recycled and Low-Impact Materials is another important
regenerative strategy. Materials such as recycled steel, recycled concrete
and sustainably sourced timber reduce the extraction of virgin resources and
lower the environmental footprint of construction.
Finally, the course introduces Biomimicry. Biomimicry means learning from
nature and applying natural principles to design problems. Natural systems
have evolved highly efficient solutions over millions of years. Architects can
study these systems and adapt similar principles for building design,
ventilation strategies, energy generation or material development.
SLIDE 7 – GLOBAL IMPACT OF MATERIALS
When selecting materials, it is not sufficient to consider only their immediate
technical performance. Modern construction increasingly requires an
understanding of the broader environmental impact of materials throughout
their entire life cycle.
One of the most important evaluation methods is the Life Cycle Assessment
(LCA). A Life Cycle Assessment studies the environmental impact of a
material from cradle to grave. This means that all stages are considered,
including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation,
use, maintenance and eventual disposal or recycling. LCA therefore provides
a comprehensive overview of the environmental burden associated with a
material.
Another important indicator is the Carbon Footprint. This measures the total
greenhouse gas emissions associated with a material throughout its life
cycle. Carbon dioxide is the most well-known greenhouse gas, but methane
and other gases may also be included. The lower the carbon footprint, the
lower the contribution to climate change.
The concept of Material Efficiency evaluates how effectively resources are
used. A material that requires fewer raw materials, generates less waste
during production and can be used efficiently is considered more
sustainable. High material efficiency generally leads to lower resource
depletion and reduced waste generation.
The Recyclability of a material is also important. Materials that can easily be
recycled at the end of their service life support circular economy principles.
Steel and aluminium are good examples because they can often be recycled
multiple times without significant loss of quality.
4
SLIDE 1 – INDOOR SPACES
This course is called Indoor Spaces: A pragmatic approach to designing
indoor spaces based on regenerative building physics concepts. The
objective of the course is to understand how materials, building concepts
and performance requirements interact when designing indoor
environments. Rather than focusing only on aesthetics or architectural form,
the course approaches architecture from the perspective of building physics.
Every design decision has consequences for acoustics, thermal performance,
fire safety, structural behaviour and environmental impact.
The central idea is that a building should not only be structurally stable but
should also provide comfortable, healthy and sustainable spaces for its
users. Throughout the course, different construction systems will be
analysed and compared in terms of their performance. The emphasis is
placed on understanding the physical principles behind these systems rather
than memorising isolated solutions.
SLIDE 2 – CONTENTS
The course is divided into five major chapters. The first chapter introduces
the general philosophy of indoor environmental design and regenerative
architecture. The second chapter focuses on materials and performance
criteria. Before selecting a material, it is necessary to understand the
requirements that the material must satisfy.
The third chapter studies wall systems. Different wall concepts will be
analysed from the perspective of acoustics, thermal insulation, fire
resistance and structural behaviour. The fourth chapter focuses on floor
systems. Floors are generally more complex because they must resist
structural loads while simultaneously controlling airborne and impact sound
transmission. The final chapter studies façade systems, which form the
interface between indoor and outdoor environments.
SLIDE 3 – INTRODUCTION
Before discussing materials and construction systems, it is important to
understand the overall objective of building design. A building is not simply a
structure that provides shelter. It must create comfortable, healthy and safe
indoor environments while minimising environmental impact. Modern
,architecture therefore requires a balance between technical performance,
human comfort and sustainability.
SLIDE 4 – QUALITY OF A BUILDING
When discussing the quality of a building, it is important to understand that
quality is not determined solely by appearance. In this course, three major
criteria define building quality.
The first criterion is the comfort of the user. A building must provide a
comfortable indoor environment. Comfort includes thermal comfort, acoustic
comfort, visual comfort and the overall perception of the indoor space. Even
a visually attractive building can be considered poor quality if users
constantly experience overheating, noise problems or discomfort.
The second criterion concerns health requirements. Buildings directly
influence human health. Indoor air quality, moisture control, daylight
availability and exposure to harmful substances all affect the well-being of
occupants. Modern buildings are therefore expected to actively support
healthy living and working conditions.
The third criterion is sustainability. Sustainability must be understood within
economic, ecological and sociological boundaries. The objective is not only to
reduce environmental impact but also to ensure long-term economic viability
and social value.
The slide introduces an additional concept: regenerative architecture.
Sustainable architecture attempts to reduce negative impacts. Regenerative
architecture goes further by actively contributing to environmental
restoration and improvement. The objective is to create buildings that
improve ecological systems while simultaneously enhancing human well-
being. A regenerative building should therefore have a net positive impact
rather than simply a reduced negative impact.
SLIDE 5 – REGENERATIVE ARCHITECTURE: GLOBAL VIEW
Regenerative architecture is based on the idea that buildings should not only
minimise environmental damage but should actively improve ecological
systems. The first principle is therefore the restoration and improvement of
the environment. A regenerative building should contribute positively to
biodiversity, water cycles and ecosystem health.
The second principle is the improvement of human well-being. Buildings
should support physical health, mental health and overall quality of life
through better indoor environments.
2
,The third principle is the adoption of a holistic approach. Every phase of the
building life cycle must be considered, including design, construction,
operation, maintenance, adaptation and eventual deconstruction. Decisions
made during one stage can influence environmental performance throughout
the entire life cycle.
The fourth principle is that regenerative architecture requires a combination
of strategies. No single material or technology can make a building
regenerative on its own. Successful projects combine multiple approaches
adapted to the specific context.
The fifth principle is the evaluation of materials throughout their complete
life cycle. Materials should be assessed according to extraction, production,
transportation, use and disposal. This is typically achieved through Life Cycle
Assessment, commonly abbreviated as LCA.
SLIDE 6 – REGENERATIVE ARCHITECTURE
The course provides several examples of regenerative strategies that can be
applied in building design. These examples are important because they show
that regenerative architecture is not a single technique but rather a
combination of different approaches.
One of the most important strategies is Passive Design. Passive design aims
to optimise natural lighting, natural ventilation and thermal comfort. The
objective is to reduce the need for mechanical systems by making better use
of natural processes. Large windows can provide daylight, carefully designed
openings can support natural ventilation, and the use of thermal mass can
help stabilise indoor temperatures. By relying on natural phenomena, energy
consumption can be reduced significantly.
Another strategy is the development of Net-Zero Energy Buildings. These
buildings produce as much renewable energy as they consume during a
typical year. Solar panels are often used to generate electricity, while highly
insulated envelopes reduce energy demand. The goal is to achieve an annual
energy balance close to zero.
The course also discusses Biophilic Design. This design approach seeks to
reconnect occupants with nature. Examples include green roofs, living walls,
indoor plants and views towards natural landscapes. Research has shown
that contact with nature can reduce stress, improve concentration and
contribute to better mental health. Therefore, biophilic design is not only
beneficial for biodiversity but also for the occupants themselves.
A fourth strategy is Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting. Water
consumption can be reduced through efficient fixtures and irrigation
systems. Rainwater can be collected, stored and reused for applications that
3
, do not require drinking water quality. This reduces pressure on local water
resources and contributes to more sustainable water management.
The use of Recycled and Low-Impact Materials is another important
regenerative strategy. Materials such as recycled steel, recycled concrete
and sustainably sourced timber reduce the extraction of virgin resources and
lower the environmental footprint of construction.
Finally, the course introduces Biomimicry. Biomimicry means learning from
nature and applying natural principles to design problems. Natural systems
have evolved highly efficient solutions over millions of years. Architects can
study these systems and adapt similar principles for building design,
ventilation strategies, energy generation or material development.
SLIDE 7 – GLOBAL IMPACT OF MATERIALS
When selecting materials, it is not sufficient to consider only their immediate
technical performance. Modern construction increasingly requires an
understanding of the broader environmental impact of materials throughout
their entire life cycle.
One of the most important evaluation methods is the Life Cycle Assessment
(LCA). A Life Cycle Assessment studies the environmental impact of a
material from cradle to grave. This means that all stages are considered,
including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation,
use, maintenance and eventual disposal or recycling. LCA therefore provides
a comprehensive overview of the environmental burden associated with a
material.
Another important indicator is the Carbon Footprint. This measures the total
greenhouse gas emissions associated with a material throughout its life
cycle. Carbon dioxide is the most well-known greenhouse gas, but methane
and other gases may also be included. The lower the carbon footprint, the
lower the contribution to climate change.
The concept of Material Efficiency evaluates how effectively resources are
used. A material that requires fewer raw materials, generates less waste
during production and can be used efficiently is considered more
sustainable. High material efficiency generally leads to lower resource
depletion and reduced waste generation.
The Recyclability of a material is also important. Materials that can easily be
recycled at the end of their service life support circular economy principles.
Steel and aluminium are good examples because they can often be recycled
multiple times without significant loss of quality.
4
