E 301
History of Ecological Sciences
3 units
Ecological design and environmental science have a long history, including the evolution of indigenous architectures. This course reviews the big picture. Textbook: The Timeless Way of Building, by Christopher Alexander
E 302
Case studies in Ecological Design and Land Planning
3 units
This course explains the steps and multiple considerations involved in methodical and environmentally sensitive site planning. Textbook: Environmental Planning for Site Development, by Anne R. Beer
E 303
Indigenous Peoples’ Building Methods and Materials
3 units
This course shows how architectural problems have been solved over millennia, through trial and error, and humanity’s universal desire to build in harmony with nature. Textbook: Native American Architecture, by Peter Nabokov and Robert Easton or Architecture without Architects: A Short Introduction to Nonpedigree Architecture, by Bernard Rudofsky
E 304
Advanced Integrated Bioclimatic Design
3 units
This course deals with the design and technology of climate-sensitive architecture, as practiced by Ken Yeang, the leader in the field. Textbook: Ecodesign: A Manual for Ecological Design, by Ken Yeang
E 305
Alternative Lighting & Energy Systems
3 units
Artificial light can be eliminated in the daytime, and nighttime lighting can be designed far more economically than has been common in the past. This course deals with artificial systems and how to best integrate them with natural light. Textbook: Lighting Modern Buildings, by Derek Phillips
E 306
Building Energy Management
3 units
A course on design and technology for integrating diverse energy and ventilation systems in more complex buildings. Textbook: Building Energy Management Systems: Application to Low-Energy HVAC and Natural Ventilation Control, by G. J. Levermore
E 307
Urban Ecology
3 units
This course is an overview of worldwide urban ecological problems and solutions. Textbook: Cities for a Small Planet, by Richard Rogers and Philip Gumuchdjian
E 308
Exterior & Interior Plantscaping
3 units
A course on the complete integration of plants, planting systems, and natural and human-made ecosystems. Textbook: Design for Human Ecosystems: Landscape, Land Use, and Natural Resources, by John Tillman Lyle and Joan Woodward
E 309
Organizing Principle & Nature-Based Architecture
3 units
A course on the fundamentals of making and experiencing Organic architecture. Textbook: Evolutionary Architecture: Nature as a Basis for Design, by Eugene Tsui or Architecture as space: How to Look at Architecture, by Bruno Zevi
E 310
Advanced Technology & New Materials
3 units
This course deals with new technology and new applications of centuries-old, nature-sensitive construction methods. Textbook: Construction Ecology: Nature as a Basis for Green Buildings, by Jan Sendzimir, et al
E 311
Co-housing & Other Alternative Living Systems
3 units
Co-housing, the sharing of land and resources by groups of individuals and families, can be an economical alternative lifestyle that also serves ecological values. Such values can be applied to community planning of all sizes. This course reviews the history and current status of such projects. Textbook: Sustainable Housing: Principles & Practice, by Brian Edwards and David Turrent or Recreating the World: A Practical Guide to Building Sustainable Communities, by Michael Bopp and Judie Bopp
E 320
Student-Initiated Independent Study & Thesis Project
6 units
