MIM 312E - Architectural Design VI

Course Objectives

The creation of low energy, ecological housing has become a key component of sustainable development. Living in harmony with the environment has become an essential component of the design of homes and neighbourhoods in the third millennium. There are a number of different perspectives on sustainable housing and each is subject to distinct design parameters. More than practically any other building type, housing encompasses technical, social, political and economic issues. Over the past decade the emphasis has shifted from the low energy house to the environmentally sustainable neighbourhood. Sustainable communities also need to be healthy communities. Good energy efficient homes provide better environments for people living in them as well as reducing the impact on the natural environment.
Currently the domestic sector accounts for nearly 26% of our carbon dioxide emissions— some 41 million tonnes of carbon—much of it through heating. It is essential that we take steps to reduce these emissions both through improved new designs and also by tackling existing housing that has poor energy efficiency. With such a wide range of issues to consider; we need to develop new, flexible tools to help us assess the quality of housing, and ensure that it provides value for money. Sustainability is a process; sustainable development is the product.

Course Description

Mainly housing (housing - housing blocks consisting of housing units in different numbers and qualities-, dormitory, accommodation -home office and sales space design; The arrangement of the open spaces formed by the building blocks by examining the building-environment, indoor-outdoor relations will be the subject of the project.
Since existance of humanity, shelter /housing has played a vital role in maintenance and reproduction of human life through support of activities such as eating, sleeping, and growth. The house is not only a physical place but also has psychological, sociological, and symbolic value for people in their individual and social life. House /home exist in environmental and cultural context. Therotical approches on man-environment relationships that meet the criteria have emphasized interaction but the importance have been given to the affect of environment on individual's psycholgical aspects. The environment with its stressors strains the man and effects his /her behavior and well-being. Health and energy are related concerns of sustainable housing. Sustainability provides the principles upon which healthy, comfortable, hopeful communities are created. Sustainable housing should ensure a better quality of life, not just now but for future generations as well. It should combine protection of the environment, sensible use of natural resources, economic growth and social progress.