Designing and developing sustainable community is about more than just buildings. Buildings often last only 25-50 years before they need substantial re-investment, but sustainable economic, social and cultural fabric creates communities that will choose a sustainble future for generations to come. This course will practically examine what economic, legal, contractual, cultural, marketing and communications strategies -- so-called "invisible structures" -- can be combined with sustainable building practices to initiate long-term sustainable communities. Students will develop a long-term sustainability strategy for a real development to be built and are encouraged to bring their own projects for discussion. [Note: The January class begins Wednesday evening at 7PM. The August class begins Friday evening at 7PM.]
- Competency Level: All Levels
- AIA credits: 16 -- Qualifies for HSW requirements.
Course Objectives
- Explore definitions of sustainable community
- Develop an understanding of the forces that impact community sustainability
- Discover the e conomic, legal, contractual, cultural, marketing and communications tools that are available to shape sustainable community development
- Create a conceptual sustainability plan for a new development
Suggested Reading
Christopher Alexander, Neis, et al. A New Theory of Urban Design. ISBN 0195047537
Christopher Alexander, Ishinkawa, et al. A Pattern language. ISBN 0195019199
Jared Diamond. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. ISBN 0143036556
Wilson, Uncapher, et al. Green Development: Integrating Ecology and Real Estate. ISBN 0471188786
Jane Jacob. The Nature of Economies. ISBN 0375702431
Course Outline
First Evening 7:00 PM - 10 PM
Introduction
Introduction to sustainability
- Sustainable communities, what does it mean.
- Defining environmental sustainability
Sustainability in specific areas.- Expanding the definition of sustainability.
Take to bed exercise
Day 1 9 AM
Recap previous Evening
Take to bed exercise discussion
Tools that can shape sustainability.
MORNING BREAK
Tools that can shape sustainability.
Mythology of place.
LUNCH BREAK (1 hour)
Case Studies
AFTERNOON BREAK
Workshop - Developing sustainability strategy for a new housing development.
5:00PM DAY 2 END
SOCIAL EVENING
Day 2 9 AM
Morning Intro
Integrating architecture, public spaces, and sustainable community
Continue workshop
MORNING BREAK
Continue workshop
LUNCH BREAK (1 hour)
Present Workshop findings- With Class questions and critique
The future of sustainable communities
AFTERNOON BREAK
Discussion of student projects
Class Evaluation
5:30 PM END
Photo Gallery
Video
Events