Graduate Elective
ARC 6391
Architecture, Energy and Ecology
General Overview
Course syllabus
Lecture Schedule
Credits Three credits
Schedule Three class periods per week
Class Size Fifteen students maximum
Objectives
The class will focus on an enhanced awareness and understanding of
the relationship between architecture and nature in the theory and practice
of environmentally responsive design. Specific areas to be covered include:
The future of "the future": past and present studies and
models of the future of humankind.
The principles, language and theories of energy as they relate to architectural
design.
The concepts of carrying capacity, sustainable development, sustainable
architecture, land ethics and steady state growth.
Theories and principles of natural ecosystems, and how to design for
different ecosystem locales.
In depth review of ecosystem components and design-related issues,
including geology, water, soils, ecosystem stresses (such as fire and flood),
ecosystem dangers (such as radon and other health hazards) landscape materials
and wildlife.
Various design theories (vernacular architecture, modernism, postmodernism,
deconstructivism) and the environment.
Passive and active design strategies, with case study examples, for
internal load dominated buildings and external load dominated buildings.
Environmental technology and energy-/environmentally-related design;
equipment review, from solar collectors and windmills to water and septic
systems.
Energy, environment and the law; model codes and requirements of "developments
of regional impact".
Class Structure
Traditional lecture/seminar format will be accompanied by slides. Guest
lecturers will speak on specialized areas. Workshops and field trips will
occur on a weekly or biweekly basis. Extensive handouts will
supplement lectures and seminars. Outside reading assignments will be given.
Class Requirements
Participation in seminars; homework assignments from assigned articles
and texts; two research papers/design projects; two to three tests.