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Architecture 410/510 • Spring 2006
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
THEORETICAL UNDERCURRENTS
Tues. & Thurs. 12:00 N – 1:20 P.M. • Lawrence 206
3 Credits • CRN: 33260 (ARCH 410); 33319 (ARCH 510)
Instructor: B. Muller • [email protected]
“If nature can never be approached by human beings without being altered, if to ap-
proach nature is necessarily to transform it, then tracing the form of this structure be-
comes the focus of philosophical inquiry.” -Elaine P. Miller
“Solutions to environmental problems will be found once humankind ceases its attempts
to dominate nature and, instead, views it as a model. Architects must step forward to
lead interdisciplinary teams in this newly reoriented problem-solving.” - Kate Nesbitt
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Moore uses the term “ecological hypothesis” as an umbrella for sustainable
architecture and related endeavors and finds the diversity of viewpoints that
currently exist to be healthy, considering “the emerging ecological hypothesis
to be of enduring interest precisely because its meaning has not stabilized in
society.” He urges that architects concerned with the state of the environment
continue to think and debate, to refine terms and clearly state convictions in
order that an “overarching vocabulary” for sustainable design arises.
This course speculates as to what form(s) sustainable design vocabulary
may assume by examining several “theoretical undercurrents” embed-
ded in a range of environmentally responsive architectural approaches.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
With any architectural movement that gains momentum, an important task
becomes that of examining the convictions, aspirtations and underlying as-
sumptions of its adherents. If other (outstanding) courses in the Architecture
Department speak of the what and how of specific environmentally responsive
design strategies, this course explores the what as in “what are our attitudes
towards the environment” and the how as in “how do such attitudes influence
our actions (practices)(?)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The first half of the class - involving readings, lectures and discussion - pro-
vides exposure to (3) overarching themes: “nature/culture,” “body/language,”
and “stasis/migration.” An elucidation of these themes will have a direct bear-
ing on our thinking as to what form(s) sustainable architecture may assume.
The second half of the course entails that students’ pursue one of these themes
in the form of a book review and related speculations that will lead to a final
white paper/“manifesto” and class presentation.
