Handbook

This course introduces you to the design strategies and scientific understanding needed to minimize buildings’ impact on natural resources and the environment. It includes life-cycle thinking in architectural design, a history of environmental design concepts in architecture, understanding and responding to climate, design innovation, solar architecture, building fabric performance and wind, ventilation, and cooling. In completing the course, you will master the basic techniques to reduce building-related carbon emissions and enhance human comfort through climate-sensitive design. In addition, you will gain the ability to analyze climatic and geomorphological context to optimize building design for sun, temperature, wind, human metabolism, and perception.