Environmental Systems I

Catalog description

Architectural environmental systems can be divided into two distinct categories: passive and active. Through a combination of theoretical seminars and practical design assignments, Environmental Systems I introduces a variety of passive strategies for transforming the outdoor climate around a building into an indoor climate within the human comfort zone. Step one is harnessing site resources such as sun, wind, water, topography, and built context in order to begin to light, heat, cool, and ventilate a project. Step two is developing an appropriate building envelope to further reduce energy loads, increase durability, and encourage good indoor environmental quality. Applying these concepts over a series of sequential exercises utilizing a range of tools including drawing, modeling, and simulation, students will design form through an iterative conversation with quantified performance. As preparation for a career in practice, this design approach is a component of the current professional standard of care, delivering resource-efficient architecture optimized for human health, safety, welfare, and enjoyment with negligible impacts on local ecosystems and the global climate. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: ARCH 202 Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3