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 bmuller@uoregon.edu
If nature can never be approached by human beings without being altered, if to approach nature is necessarily to transform it, then tracing the form of this structure becomes 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 nds 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 rene 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 embedded 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 assumptions of its adherents. If other (outstanding) courses in the Architecture Department speak of the what and how of specic 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 inuence our actions (practices)(?)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS The rst half of the class - involving readings, lectures and discussion - provides exposure to (3) overarching themes: nature/culture, body/language, and stasis/migration. An elucidation of these themes will have a direct bearing 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 nal white paper/manifesto and class presentation.