The world’s cities, and the buildings that fill them, consume the majority of the world’s resources. As the size and number of cities increase around the world the question of sustainability and the need for innovation in design can only grow in importance.
The survey course examines the relationship between sustainability and the physical form of cities and of architecture.The built world is the subject matter, but the approach is multi-disciplinary so we will also look to the intertwined effects of human behavior, technology, and economics as they affect the search for sustainable urban form and sustainable building practices. The history of modern architecture beginning with the enlightenment to today forms the backdrop for the class. Key issues include energy use, social equity, economics, and demographic change.
Students are encouraged to be critical of the concepts presented and to form their own opinions about sustainability, planning, and architecture.