MIM454 Solar Systems in Architecture: Design and Integration

3 ECTS - 2-0 Duration (T+A)- 8. Semester- 2 National Credit

Information

Unit FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE PR.
Code MIM454
Name Solar Systems in Architecture: Design and Integration
Term 2026-2027 Academic Year
Semester 8. Semester
Duration (T+A) 2-0 (T-A) (17 Week)
ECTS 3 ECTS
National Credit 2 National Credit
Teaching Language Türkçe
Level Belirsiz
Type Normal
Label E Elective
Mode of study Yüz Yüze Öğretim
Catalog Information Coordinator Öğr. Gör. Dr. Ahadollah AZAMI
Course Instructor
The current term course schedule has not been prepared yet.


Course Goal / Objective

This course aims to introduce architecture students to the fundamental principles of solar energy systems and to develop their ability to integrate these systems effectively into architectural design processes. Within this framework, both passive and active solar strategies are explored in relation to building form, façade design, and material selection. The course encourages students to develop innovative, context-responsive design solutions that consider energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental performance criteria. Emphasis is placed on contemporary technologies—particularly photovoltaic systems—along with international standards and real-world case studies to enhance students’ analytical and critical thinking skills.

Course Content

This course examines solar systems in architecture, focusing on design and integration. It covers basic principles, passive and active systems, building integration, and climatic effects. Students apply design-oriented approaches to evaluate energy performance and develop sustainable architectural solutions, gaining skills in effectively integrating renewable energy systems into building design contexts.

Course Precondition

None

Resources

Weekly Program PPS Presentations

Notes

• Edward Mazria (2019). The Passive Solar Energy Book. Rodale Press. • Norbert M. Lechner (2015). Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects (4th ed.). Wiley. • Soteris A. Kalogirou (2014). Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems (2nd ed.). Academic Press. • International Energy Agency (2020). Solar Energy Perspectives. Paris: IEA Publications. • U.S. Department of Energy (2021). Solar Energy Technologies Office Multi-Year Program Plan. • International Renewable Energy Agency (2022). Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review. • Danny Harvey (2013). Energy and the New Reality: Energy Efficiency and the Demand for Energy Services. Earthscan.


Course Learning Outcomes

Order Course Learning Outcomes
LO01 Explain the fundamental principles of passive and active solar energy systems and their architectural relevance.
LO02 Analyze the relationship between building form, orientation, façade design, and solar performance.
LO03 Integrate photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems into architectural design processes.
LO04 Develop climate-responsive design solutions considering energy efficiency and sustainability criteria.
LO05 Evaluate design decisions using real-world data and digital simulation tools through critical and analytical thinking.


Relation with Program Learning Outcome

Order Type Program Learning Outcomes Level
PLO01 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Explains the change and development of architectural examples within historical and cultural processes within local, regional and global frameworks.
PLO02 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Explains the basic principles of service systems consisting of vertical and horizontal circulation elements, installation, infrastructure, communication, security and fire systems. 1
PLO03 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Uses the knowledge of the development of contemporary carrier systems and carrier system applications in the selection of the structure system based on the principles of behavior of the structure against vertical and lateral loads. 2
PLO04 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Knows the basic principles of how building elements, building components and building materials come together in design based on their properties. 3
PLO05 Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal Evaluates the design knowledge of elements such as environment, people and culture in the function-form relationship in design from a critical and innovative perspective and interprets it at the level of building, interior, immediate surroundings and urban design. 4
PLO06 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Produces solutions based on the basic principles of lighting, acoustics, insulation, air conditioning and energy use in the design of environmental systems.
PLO07 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Uses sustainability principles in architectural design decisions to protect natural and cultural resources and to create healthy buildings and settlements. 5
PLO08 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Uses digital technologies and three-dimensional models in architectural technical drawing and presentation in order to express the design idea with appropriate methods.
PLO09 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Develops an architectural project with a comprehensive program from the sketch stage to the application project stage (structural and environmental systems, security, partition systems, regulations, etc.).
PLO10 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Produces designs based on data tools, sample applications, data collection methods, evaluations, definitions and comparisons in the field of architecture.
PLO11 Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı Prepares documentation and restoration projects of historical buildings and monuments with the necessary techniques, in accordance with the characteristics of the historical environment. 1
PLO12 Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği Independently carries out a study in the field of architecture for which she individually prepares her plan, technical specifications and project. 3
PLO13 Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği Takes responsibility individually or as a team member in solving the problems he/she encounters, and manages and plans activities for the development of the employees under his/her responsibility.
PLO14 Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik In the building production process; It prepares documents (tender, contract, etc.) that can protect the interests of the parties while carrying out professional studies and applications regarding the preparation of the building cost along with the building quantity survey, building cost estimate and work schedule.
PLO15 Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği Uses relevant databases to access information by determining learning needs in the context of professional, cultural and artistic development with the motivation of lifelong learning.
PLO16 Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik Uses design data for sustainability purposes based on social awareness regarding architecture.
PLO17 Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik She/he is competent in establishing effective written and verbal communication regarding the field of architecture, monitoring and organizing seminars and meetings related to architecture, preparing projects and following foreign publications based on her/his knowledge of foreign languages.
PLO18 Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik Understanding ethical values ​​in architecture, designing for the benefit of society, respecting history and culture, knowing its professional and human responsibilities towards nature.
PLO19 Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik Synthesizes the data it collects by taking into account the effects of human, social and environmental conditions in architectural design and planning processes.
PLO20 Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği Fulfills the role of internship in professional development/the rights and responsibilities of the employer and the intern.


Week Plan

Week Topic Preparation Methods
1 Introduction: Energy & Architecture No need to be prepared Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım
2 Climate Data and Analysis: - Climate parameters - Reading and interpreting EPW data Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma
3 Solar Geometry: - Sun path diagrams - Solar angles and design implications Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap
4 Solar Radiation: - Direct, diffuse, reflected radiation - Energy on surfaces Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma
5 Passive Solar Design: - Heat gain and loss - Thermal comfort Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap
6 Building Form and Orientation: - Form–energy relationship - Climate-based orientation Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma
7 Façade and Shading Design: - Fixed and dynamic shading - Solar control Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap
8 Mid-Term Exam Study Previous Notes Ölçme Yöntemleri:
Ödev
9 Solar Thermal Systems: - Domestic hot water - Heating applications Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap
10 - Photovoltaic Systems - PV fundamentals - Panel types and efficiency Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap
11 PV Performance: - Tilt and azimuth effects - Shading losses Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap
12 Architectural Integration: - Roof and façade applications - Design integration principles Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap
13 Simulation Tools: - Climate Consultant - PV analysis overview Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap
14 Case Studies: - Türkiye and global examples - Best practices Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Bireysel Çalışma
15 Examine / Discussion / Recommendations Assessment Relevant Reading and Research Öğretim Yöntemleri:
Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma
16 Term Exams Examine / Discussion / Recommendations Assessment Ölçme Yöntemleri:
Yazılı Sınav
17 Term Exams Examine / Discussion / Recommendations Assessment Ölçme Yöntemleri:
Yazılı Sınav


Student Workload - ECTS

Works Number Time (Hour) Workload (Hour)
Course Related Works
Class Time (Exam weeks are excluded) 14 2 28
Out of Class Study (Preliminary Work, Practice) 14 2 28
Assesment Related Works
Homeworks, Projects, Others 3 5 15
Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) 1 2 2
Final Exam 1 2 2
Total Workload (Hour) 75
Total Workload / 25 (h) 3,00
ECTS 3 ECTS

Update Time: 24.04.2026 02:34