CRP 423 Sustainable Community Design and Development

Temple University - Architecture

Special Topics in Technology - Sustainable Design

Arch 0250

Spring Semester 2004

Class Meeting Time: Monday, 9:40 - 12:30 AM

Room: EA 821, Engineering/Architecture Building

Course hours: 3 credit hours fulfilling architecture elective course.

Associate Professor: Joseph Michael Kelly, BET, PD, MSc, RA, CEng, NCARB, MCIBSE

Contact information: Voice: 864-275-3395, Email: jmkelly@temple.edu

Information about the professor: http://www.jmkelly.net

Office hours: By appointment in room 824

Office telephone: 215-204-5429, please do not leave a message on this voice mail.

BACKGROUND

“If you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.” – anon.

We spend the vast majority of our lives within buildings and the built environment has a significant impact on the quality of human life and the healthy and sustainable development of society. With increasing environmental crises caused by the extremely dense urban situation, people in Pennsylvania are becoming more and more concerned about the present and future living conditions.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course aims to develop better understanding of sustainability in the context of built environment for students in architecture. It focuses on raising the awareness of the built world’s connection to environmental issues, examining the principles and tools for sustainable architecture and exploring the methods for reducing the environmental impact. The course is designed with an emphasis on interdisciplinary reflection, systems thinking and sharing of students’ own experience. The teaching/learning will be supported by video presentations, seminars, web-based resources, site visit and group investigations/discussions. Assessment will be based on a continuous method.

Ecologically sustainable design and technology have moved into the mainstream of our culture. This course explores the theory, practice, technology and social values that are created when architects design in a sustainable manner. Designs of ecologically sensitive projects are addressed in a discussion format. Case studies are used extensively to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of sustainable architecture. The course offers a general exposure to questions pertaining to: principles of ecological building, buildings of tomorrow, ecological architectural design, landscape architecture and green spaces, and the active measures of renewable energy sources. Environmentally sensitive projects by Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Peter Rice, Richard Rogers, Michael Hopkins, Ove Arup, Nicholas Grimshaw, Richard Murphy, Glenn Murcutt, etc. will be examined among others. Design comparisons will be drawn between sustainable and non-sustainable models of design. Square One environmental design software will be utilized throughout the course. The course is based on the premise that sustainable design fulfills the basic needs of people without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

OBJECTIVES

The course has the following objectives:

1. This course brings awareness to sustainable design and development.

2. To provide the student with the opportunity to propose a sustainable design research project of his or her interest. All projects must reflect complexity and significance and be appropriate scope to demonstrate the capabilities, skills, knowledge, and judgment of a graduate/undergraduate architectural student.

3. To carry out research.

4. To provide the student with opportunity to assume considerable independence in the development of a project. The course will emphasize the balance of independent action and judgment with the identification and availabilities of a variety of information gained through group sessions and consultant contact.

ATTENDANCE AND CLASS PARTICIPATION POLICY

Satisfactory attendance rate and active class participation are expected and required, since the course will include extensive in-class interactions and discussions. The course will meet once a week. Students are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. An attendance sheet will be passed at each class meeting. All students must attend all scheduled field trips. Absences will be excused only by 1) family emergency, 2) documented medical stay, or 3) approved college function. Note: there will be a full grade deducted from your final course grade if more than one unexcused absences occur. If you are late to class it will be your responsibility to sign the class roll and pick up assignment sheets. Three "lates" to class will equate to one absence. In the event that a student misses a class, the student is responsible for all material covered in the class. (See www or classmates for handouts). Different ways of participating in the course include, but are not limited to: 1) contributing in an active way to class discussion of concepts and ideas; 2) presenting a brief summary and/or personal interpretation of reading materials upon the lecturer’s request; and 3) presenting issues from out-of-class studies.

GRADING POLICY

a. Purpose: To measure and record your comprehension of the issues presented by the professor or the project; to measure and record the student's progress in mastering the manual and intellectual skills necessary for the practice of Sustainable Design; to measure and record the effectiveness of the teaching method (course or project and its administration); to inform you about your strengths, weaknesses, and progress.

b. You are evaluated on your comprehension of the subject matter taught in this class.

c. Grades will be available to you upon request in a reasonable time following each exercise. Grades will not be posted. It is your responsibility to request information on your grade assessment from the professor.

d. Mid-term and final grades will be in accordance with Temple University's policy and timetable.

e. An interim review will be conducted with each student dropping below a “C” average with the dual purpose of undertaking a student and faculty evaluation. The professor will meet privately with you following the issuance of mid-term grades to discuss your progress and to provide an assessment of your performance to date, what is expected of you for the remainder of the term, and to provide you with an opportunity to assess your own development in the course. You are encouraged to request conferences with the faculty to discuss your progress at anytime during the course of study.

f. Grading is based on your performance in the class relative to the results of your research, presentation, final project, attendance and attitude. The professor is charged with evaluating your work based on and utilizing his best judgment of your performance and the quality of the work. Your research will be evaluated for clarity, accuracy, and presentation quality.

g. Final grades will be posted by Temple registrar and/or Architectural department.

GRADES

A. Excellent. Indicates work of a very high character, the highest grade given.

B. Good. Indicates work that is definitely above average, though not of the highest quality.

C. Fair. Indicates work of average or medium character.

D. Pass. Indicates work below average or medium character.

F. Fail. Indicates that the student knows so little of the subject that the course must be repeated in order that credit may be received.

I. Incomplete grades ("I") will only be issued for extreme hardship only in accordance with Temple University policy.

+ or – will may be utilized as + being the highest mark and – being lowest mark following a letter grade.

COURSE EVALUATION GRADES

1. Technology of Ecological Building Requirement 10% 90-100+=A

2. Sustainable Design Research/Presentation 20% 80-89=B

3. Sustainable Design Research/Presentation 20% 70-79=C

4. Sustainable Design/Construct Project 40% 60-69=D

5. Attendance/Participation 10% 59 - 0 =F

TOTAL 100%

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Reading assignments are for each class meeting. Students are expected to come prepared, i.e., to have completed the week's readings assignments when they come to class. Students are required to present research assignments during class meetings. The purpose is to encourage you to: 1) absorb the information disseminated in your research; 2) reflect on this information and consider how it may be applied in your philosophies and practices; and 3) articulate the outcome of these reflections in written form and presentation form.

2. Technology of ecological building requirement. To be announced.

3. Two comprehensive research/presentation projects will be given. Both projects will cover sustainable design and/or technology issues. A volume of descriptive information, texts, tables, diagrams, and illustrations of 15 pages more or less is required for each project. A minimum of 2000 words of text explaining your research is required. This volume must be complete in all aspects required above and satisfactorily presented in class. The presentation and research project should be of the highest quality. Students should be prepared to answer questions from the professor, students and guest. Research project #1: Each student is to research one architect, landscape architect or engineer and/or firm practicing sustainable design and present the information about the individual or firm, design principals and philosophy, work, and concentrate on understanding and reporting on the technology of their ecological building design. A digital presentation to the class is required. Selected designers include: Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Peter Rice, Richard Rogers, Michael Hopkins, Ove Arup, Nicholas Grimshaw, Richard Murphy, Glenn Murcutt, Enric Miralles, Santiago Calatrava, Thomas Herzog, Itsuko Hasegawa, Helmut Richter, Jean Nouvel, Ian Ritchie, Von Gerkan Marg and Partners, Will Alsop, HL Technik, Wilkinson Eyre Architects, etc. Research project #2: Each student is to research the "Technology of Ecological Building" and present the information in a digital presentation to the class. The presentations will follow the chapters of the required text. See book chapters to choose your topic. Basically two students will present for each chapter at each meeting.

4. There will be one design/construct project to be completed over the course. The purpose of the project is to provide students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge to real world problems. The project will also provide a chance for students to strengthen their general thinking, research, organizational, technical and construction skills. The group project shall be carried out by about four (4) to all students and will comprise forty (40) percent of the final grade for the course. Additional information about the nature and scope of the project will be provided over the course after you select a project. The presentation will be assessed and it will constitute part of the final course grade. As architects you should be taking a leading role in sustainable design and construction. Your design/construct project should include the use of technology that relates to your interest. You are encouraged to follow both the intuitive and theoretical paths in your analysis. Obtain advice from consultants when required (architects, landscape architects, construction engineers, civil engineers, building service engineers, etc.). Use digital cameras and computers as required to document your project. Use terminology that you learn in class when discussing the project and be prepared to explain that terminology. This is a real-life project, take it seriously and conduct yourself as an architect when discussing the project. Be aware of both pro and con sustainable design issues. The project should be of a quality that represents the class and brings awareness to sustainable design. A presentation board explaining the project with photographs and documentation of the construction process shall be part of the display.

5. Late submission of the final project will result in the reduction of a full letter grade. Failing to present your research project on the scheduled date will result in an "F". Grades for the design/construct project will be determine by the students and professor.

COURSE WEBSITE

Updated information of the course can be found on the course website http://www.jmkelly.net under "research". Students are encouraged to visit and make use of the website to support their learning. You should review the additional materials online and study the linked references when reviewing the topics.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

1. Standard Temple University notebook for handouts.

2. Tracing paper is to be used for the design project.

3. Computer access with Internet connection, email and web surfing capabilities.

4. Computer and a calculator.

5. Construction tools from woodshop as required.

6. Sustainable construction materials as required to build your project.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK and/or WEBSITE

1. The Technology of Ecological Building, Klaus Daniels, Birkhhauser Verlag, 1995

2. Landscape Design for Energy Efficiency, Lolly Tai, Clemson Extension, 2000, Ordering: Tel. 1-800-851-8999 or Email ptangney@ogs.state.sc.us or http://www.state.sc.us/energy/Residential/landscape.htm

3. Sustaining Architecture in the Anti-Machine Age, Ian Abley and James Heartfield, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 - Handouts by professor

4. Square One: http://www.squ1.com/site.html