Methods and Praxis for Adaptive Reuse and Resilient Retrofit 

Building Change Spring 2025 Professional Development Programme 

Course Overview 

Transform your understanding of building adaptation and sustainable retrofit through this innovative professional development programme. Combining theoretical frameworks with practical applications, this course addresses the urgent need for sustainable building transformation in our changing climate. 

  • Cost: 
  • €100 (HCI subsidized rate available) Waivable 

Two Pathways to Learning 

1. CPD Track (RIAI Credits)

  • Lunchtime lectures (13:00-14:00) 
  • One CPD credit per session 
  • Flexible attendance 
  • Expert-led presentations 
  • Professional networking opportunities 

 2. Microcredential Track (5 ECTS Credits, Level 9)

  • Full Wednesday sessions (13:00-16:30) 
  • Comprehensive learning experience 
  • Interactive workshops and seminars 
  • Assessment-based certification 
  • Professional portfolio development 

Weekly Schedule

  • Morning Sessions: 13:00-14:00 (Lecture) 
  • Afternoon Sessions: 14:30-16:30 (Interactive Seminar/Workshop) 
  • Key Dates: 
  • Draft Presentations: April 9th 
  • Final Presentations: May 7th 
  • Technical Dossier Due: May 28th 

 Learning Outcomes 

Participants will develop expertise in: 

  • Environmental performance analysis of building renovations 
  • Integration of modern and traditional construction techniques 
  • Strategic approaches to building repurposing 
  • Heritage-sensitive retrofit strategies 
  • Universal design implementation 
  • Technical communication for diverse stakeholders 

Expert Contributors Include: 

  • Prof. Kevin McCartney 
  • Maroun Tabbal 
  • Lorenzo Cammoranesi 
  • Marc Ó Riain 
  • Dr. Jim Harrison 
  • Dr. Cathy Dalton 
  • Caroline Akiboye 
  • Gareth O’Callaghan 
  • Dr. John McLaughlin 
  • And more industry leaders  

Application Process

  1. Email your expression of interest to  maroun.tabbal@ucc.ie  including: 
  • Brief professional background 
  • Preferred learning track (CPD or Microcredential) 
  • Statement of interest (max 300 words) 

2. BuildingChange.ie affiliates: Please indicate your affiliation in the email subject line 

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 Call for Participation: Academic Staff, Professionals, and Recent Graduates  

Are you passionate about sustainable building adaptation and resilient design? Join us in exploring the future of our built environment! 

Why Participate? 

Engage with leading experts in sustainable retrofit 

We Welcome Your Interest 

Whether you’re:

  • An academic interested in contributing to the programme 
  • A professional seeking to expand your expertise 
  • A recent graduate looking to specialize in sustainable building adaptation 
  • A researcher interested in building resilience and adaptation 

 Connect With Us 

Contact Programme Coordinator Maroun Tabbal at  maroun.tabbal@ucc.ie to: 

  • Discuss collaboration opportunities 
  • Ask specific questions about the programme 
  • Share your expertise 
  • Express your interest in participating  

Building Change Network Benefits 

  • Free access to all programme components 
  • Networking opportunities with industry leaders 
  • Participation in innovative research projects 
  • Access to exclusive resources and case studies 

Join us in shaping the future of sustainable building adaptation. Contact us today to begin your journey in building resilience. 

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 This programme is part of BuildingChange.ie (BC) and the Cork Centre for Architectural Education (CCAE), with support from the Higher Education Authority (HC)I. 

Reviving Buildings AT6031 
Methods and Praxis for Adaptive Reuse and Resilient Retrofit 

Spring Semester 2025 Schedule

Format for Each Session 

  • Lecture Screening: 13:00-14:15 
  • Break: 14:15-14:30 (may vary) 
  • Interactive Seminar/Workshop: 14:30-16:30 

Schedule

Session Structure
Each Wednesday session follows the same format:

    • Lecture Screening (13:00-14:00): Recorded presentation from previous year’s CPD series 
    • Break (14:00-14:30): Refreshment and networking opportunity 
    • Interactive Seminar/Workshop (14:30-16:30): Learning circle format with deeper discussions, case studies, and practical applications

Module Details

    • Code: AT6031
    • Credits: 5
    • Level: 9 (Masters)
    • Teaching Mode: Blended delivery
    • Duration: 12 weeks
    • Assessment: Continuous Assessment

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate ability to analyze renovation examples achieving improved environmental performance 
  2. Identify potential problems/advantages of modern materials in traditional construction 
  3. Demonstrate critical ability in prioritizing strategic approaches
  4. Show awareness of sensitivity needed for buildings with historical/cultural significance 
  5. Explain universal design concepts’ influence on building refurbishment 
  6. Effectively communicate technical/social value of repurposing and resilient retrofitting