Green Architecture Now!

According to the US Green Building Council, buildings account for nearly 40% of carbon emissions- a major contributor to our planet's climate crisis.  The answer to climate change has many different solutions but architects can be agents of change by designing buildings that are friendlier to the earth.

This course introduces learners to sustainable, or “green” architecture.  Sustainable design considers the interconnectedness of natural elements–  the sun’s light and heat, wind and air movement, water and moisture, cycles of waste and biomass- and their effects on buildings, and vice versa. We'll delve into how architects can harness natural resources like sunlight, wind, and water to create buildings with minimal environmental impact.

Each week we focus on a topic: a building material like bamboo or earth, a design solution like green roofs or floating architecture, or a concept, like biomimicry or passive solar design.  We start with establishing a basic understanding of the science behind each topic, then analyze related examples of traditional and contemporary architecture that embrace these sustainable principles. 

For some topics we'll explore how traditional societies around the world have lived in harmony with the earth for centuries, and how contemporary architects are incorporating this knowledge into their work. Over time we'll examine a range of sustainable design solutions across time and geography.

This course aims to inspire learners to imagine and design a more sustainable future!

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This is an INCLUSIVE CLASS:

In my classes I am committed to creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive learning environment for all learners.    Everyone should feel supported and encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas in my classes.  If there is ever any question about this please feel free to reach out to me.  

After the initial check in with their cameras on, students are welcome to turn off cameras, though I do love seeing their faces!  :)  I do not call on students directly because I know that can be uncomfortable for some, but I do always try to make space for learners to engage in class discussions.  Sometimes that means giving them time to type in the chat.

In my design and project classes where students are making and drawing, they are encouraged to share their work, but never required.  My teaching style is enthusiastic and encouraging, and I aim to create a safe, supportive space for all of my learners.