Architecture 225EC - Intermed.: Ecological Design

This studio/lecture course explores the ecology of nature's architecture and human-built environments as we "study our living place", and let the ecology of place guide design. Students will closely observe and analyze individual and collective environments and landscapes, case-study examples, ecosystems, wildlife, habitats, and human spaces of form and function. Students will utilize whole-systems thinking, knowledge of environmental issues, Earth elements and the biosphere to better understand and creatively build resilient, environmentally responsible design plans. This interdisciplinary course will be active with literature, group discussions, individual and group work/presentations; and will include outdoor, creative and hands-on activities. Students will expand as ecological designers through weekly journals, visual exercises/sketching, mapping, palette and site-design challenges and projects.