Physical Environment (Geology + Ecology)

The course aims to provide the basics of geology as applied to Architectural Practice: it covers contents such as the structure of different rocks, the earth crust, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism, stability of earth and rock materials, weathering of rocks, groundwater and soil development, special reference to the tropics and Rwanda. It also introduces geology as a part of the environmental science related to other earth sciences. This course will help students to acquire a strong background in understanding materials (rocks, earth, water, and soil) in order to better design both architectural structures and landscapes. The selection of construction material will be based on the understanding of the geology, leading to a sustainable design.

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

i. Earth crust and rock nature

ii. Weathering of rocks, rock cycle, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism, rock stability

iii. Soil science, groundwater systems

iv. Stability of rocks concerning construction and engineering 

v. Apply bases of geology to analyze simple problems like constructing in different geological regions, including environmental patterns,

vi. Apply the principles of weathering of different rocks, estimate the stability of rocks, being able to determine important relations between different ecological/environmental sciences

vii. Analyze the patterns of environmental sciences in each themselves and in connection to each other (What consequence has the climate on the weathering of rocks etc.)