COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: BUILDING SYSTEMS

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
ARCH 331	B	6	3	0	0	3	4

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Prof.Dr. Sokol Dervishi sdervishi@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	M.Sc. Artjola Zotaj azotaj@epoka.edu.al , 08:45-11:30
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	A212
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	100%
Course Description:	The "building" keyword is used in its verbal meaning, implying for the processes of the activity of building an architectural artifact. The main objective is to analyze the factors affecting building production process by system approach, establishing the relationship of building system/building production system concepts in practical and conceptual dimensions, teaching basic building and building production systems along with their product and process characteristics.
Course Objectives:	To provide students with a systems-based understanding of building processes by examining the key factors influencing building production, and to explore the relationship between building systems and building production systems in both conceptual and practical terms, while developing knowledge of fundamental building systems and their product and process characteristics

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Building Systems
2	Integration and coordination of building systems
3	Systems approach in architecture and construction
4	Components, subsystems, and their relationships
5	Construction technologies and methods
6	Performance criteria (function, durability, sustainability)

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Introduction to Building Services and Integrated Systems: This lecture introduces the role of building systems within architectural and construction design, emphasizing their integration with structural and spatial planning. It establishes the conceptual and technical foundation of the course
2	Organization in Buildings: This topic examines the functional and spatial structuring of buildings, focusing on zoning, circulation systems, and the relationship between space planning and technical infrastructure
3	Potable Water Supply Systems in Buildings: This lecture addresses the design and operation of building water supply systems, including distribution networks, system components, and fundamental hydraulic principles.
4	Wastewater and Sanitary Drainage Systems: This topic focuses on the collection, transport, and disposal of wastewater in buildings, including drainage networks, ventilation requirements, and connection to external infrastructure
5	Stormwater Systems :This lecture explores rainwater collection and drainage strategies, emphasizing roof drainage, surface runoff control, and sustainable water management approaches,
6	Integration of Water-Based Building Systems: This session focuses on the coordination of potable water, wastewater, and stormwater systems within architectural design, highlighting system interaction and spatial constraints
7	Design of Integrated Water Systems: Students develop schematic and technical representations of water supply, drainage, and stormwater systems within architectural layouts, focusing on coordination and accuracy
8	Midterm
9	Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: This lecture introduces HVAC systems in buildings, focusing on thermal comfort, air quality, system types, and energy performance
10	Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems: This topic covers fire detection, suppression, and evacuation systems, along with passive and active fire protection strategies in building design
11	Electrical Power and Lighting Systems in Buildings: This lecture explores electrical distribution, lighting design, emergency systems, and energy efficiency within the built environment.
12	Integration of Mechanical, Fire, and Electrical Systems: Students apply knowledge by designing coordinated layouts for HVAC, fire protection, and electrical systems within architectural plans
13	Final Project Development and Technical Submission
14	Final Exam

Prerequisite(s):
Textbook(s):	Harber, D.R., Building The Process and The Product, The Construction Press, London, 1987
Additional Literature:	Ataev, D. (ed.), Construction Technology, MIR Publishing, Moscow, 1985
Laboratory Work:	NA
Computer Usage:	NA
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Understand the fundamental principles and functions of building systems and their role in architectural and structural design.
2	Explain the integration of major building services, including water supply, wastewater, stormwater, HVAC, fire protection, and electrical systems within buildings
3	Analyze basic building service systems in relation to spatial organization and architectural planning
4	Develop the ability to design and coordinate multiple building systems within a unified architectural project
5	Produce schematic and technical drawings that accurately represent the integration of building services
6	Apply principles of functionality, safety, sustainability, and energy efficiency in building system design
7	Evaluate the performance and interaction of building systems within architectural projects
8	Demonstrate the ability to develop and present a complete integrated building systems project

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years) Program

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)	1	30
Project	1	30
Final Exam	1	30
Attendance		10
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	2.5	40
Mid-terms	1	3	3
Assignments	1	6	6
Final examination	1	3	3
Other			0
Total Work Load:			100
Total Work Load/25(h):			4
ECTS Credit of the Course:			4

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

I provide my observations on the course implementation, including its effectiveness, limitations, and student performance. Based on this experience, I offer recommendations for improving content and teaching methods, while emphasizing adherence to professional ethics, respect, and integrity in both academic and practical contexts.