College: Institute of Graduate Studies Programs

This specialization focuses on the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and sustainability to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally responsible spaces. Students explore key areas such as green building design, environmental planning, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient systems. The program emphasizes innovation, problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates for careers in sustainable architecture, urban design, landscape planning, and environmental consulting.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand sustainable and environmental design principles.
• Develop skills in site planning, energy-efficient building systems, and environmental analysis.
• Learn techniques to integrate natural and built environments harmoniously.
• Explore the impact of design decisions on human health and environmental sustainability.
• Study green building materials, renewable energy solutions, and water management.
• Analyze case studies in sustainable architecture and urban development.
• Apply creative and artistic methods to design environmentally responsible spaces.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Environmental Design: Overview of sustainable architecture, urban planning, and environmental design principles.
2. Green Buildings and Sustainable Architecture: Techniques for energy-efficient buildings, passive design, and zero-carbon construction.
3. Urban Planning and Environmental Impact: Strategies for sustainable city design, public spaces, and transportation systems.
4. Sustainable Materials and Construction: Study of eco-friendly materials, waste reduction, and life cycle assessment.
5. Energy and Water Management in Design: Integration of renewable energy, water conservation, and climate-responsive design.
6. Landscape and Environmental Planning: Techniques for biodiversity conservation, green spaces, and urban forests.
7. Human-Centered and Biophilic Design: Enhancing well-being through nature-inspired, population-oriented environments.
8. Smart and Resilient Design Strategies: Integration of technology in smart cities and climate-adaptive infrastructure.
9. Environmental Policies and Regulations: Study of sustainability certifications (LEED and BREEAM), zoning laws, and green policies.
10. Capstone Project in Environmental Design: Development of a sustainable design proposal with environmental and architectural integration.

Assessment Methods:

• Architectural and urban design projects with sustainability analysis.
• Case studies on green buildings and resilient urban planning.
• Research papers on environmental policy, materials, and energy solutions.
• Internships with architectural firms, environmental organizations, or city planning departments.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Sustainable Design: A Critical Guide" by David Bergman.
• "Design with Nature" by Ian McHarg.
• "The New Carbon Architecture" by Bruce King.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of architecture, urban planning, or environmental science is recommended.

Duration of Specialization:

Typically 3 to 4 years, including coursework, studio projects, and fieldwork.

Target Audience:

Aspiring architects, city planners, landscape designers, and sustainability consultants interested in creating environmentally responsible spaces. This specialization equips students with the skills needed to design innovative, sustainable, and resilient built environments that enhance human well-being and environmental balance.