ARC5406 Critical Thinking in Sustainable DesignBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs ARCHITECTURE (ENGLISH, THESIS)General Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
ARCHITECTURE (ENGLISH, THESIS)
Master TR-NQF-HE: Level 7 QF-EHEA: Second Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 7

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
ARC5406 Critical Thinking in Sustainable Design Spring 3 0 3 12
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Departmental Elective
Course Level:
Mode of Delivery: Hybrid
Course Coordinator : Assist. Prof. DURNEV ATILGAN YAĞAN
Recommended Optional Program Components: none
Course Objectives: This course aims to critique the current practice of sustainable design in general and sustainable architecture in particular. The course will concentrate on specific examples, and also focus on alternative ways of undertaking sustainable design

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1 - Develops ability to write and speak effectively and use representational media appropriate for both within the profession and with the general public
2 - Develops ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test alternative outcomes against relevant criteria and standards.
3 - Applies critical thinking methods, identifies, formulates, and effectively communicates the critical issues involved in the solution of sustainable design problems
4 - Develops the skills necessary to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research in the field of architecture in general, and sustainable design in particular

Course Content

Sustainable design and architectural sustainability concepts are handled with a holistic perspective and these concepts are critically read through current application examples. The course includes sustainability and technology; sustainability and society; energy efficient design methods; green building certification systems; takes a critical look at the concepts of biomimetic design and cradle-to-cradle design.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction: What is, and what is not sustainable design? -
2) Sustainable Design: Where do we look for inspiration? Biomimicry, vernacular design Weekly reader to be covered Watching the videos to be announced
3) Sustainable Enclaves/Communities Watch the documentary to be announced Weekly reader to be covered
4) Cradle to Cradle Design Weekly reader to be covered
5) Low Tech or High Tech? The "Technology will solve all problems" debate, and its implications Weekly reader to be covered
6) Technology, or Social Change? What will be the next breakthrough in terms of sustainable design? Weekly reader to be covered
7) Midterm Exam Midterm Exam preparations
8) Energy Efficiency Issues and Energy Modeling Software Weekly reader to be covered
9) Water Conservation and Ecological Materials Weekly reader to be covered
10) Green Building Certification Schemes Weekly reader to be covered
11) Case study #1 No prep. Course material to be distributed in class
12) Case study #2 No prep. Course material to be distributed in class
13) Presentations Presentation preparations
14) Presentations -

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Bergman, David, Sustainable Design : A Critical Guide for Architects and Interior, Lighting, and Environmental Designers, Princeton Architectural Press, 2012 (BAU Library Erişim No: bah.EBC3387564); Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, Ecotone Publishing, 2004 [Beşiktaş North Campus Library: NA 2542.36/.M35]
Guy, Simon & Moore, Steven A., Sustainable Architectures: Critical Explorations of Green Building Practice in Europe and North America, Routledge, 2005 [available through Bahçeşehir Library, eBook Collection (EBSCOhost); access number: 926137]
Ken Yeang, Ecodesign: A Manual for Ecological Design, Wiley, 2006 [Beşiktaş North Campus Library: NA 2542.35/.Y43]
Sian Moxon, Sustainability in Interior Design, Laurence King Publishing, London, 2012 [available through Bahçeşehir Library, eBook Collection (EBSCOhost); access number: 926137]
William McDonough and Michael Braungart, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, North Point Press, 2002 [Beşiktaş Barbaros Library: TD 794.5/.M33]
References: Dernbach, John C. & Federico Cheever. ""Sustainable development and its discontents."" Transnational Environmental Law 4.2 (2015): 247-287
Madge, Pauline., ""Ecological design: a new critique."" Design issues 13.2 (1997): 44-54]
Smythe, Kathleen R., ""An historian’s critique of sustainability."" Culture Unbound: Journal of Current Cultural Research 6.5 (2014): 913-929
Banerjee, Subhabrata Bobby., ""Who sustains whose development? Sustainable development and the reinvention of nature."" Organization studies 24.1 (2003): 143-180

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Homework Assignments 3 % 15
Presentation 1 % 15
Midterms 1 % 30
Final 1 % 40
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 12 3 36
Study Hours Out of Class 14 15 210
Presentations / Seminar 1 3 3
Homework Assignments 3 15 45
Midterms 1 3 3
Final 1 3 3
Total Workload 300

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Develop and deepen knowledge in the same or in a different field to the proficiency level based on Bachelor level qualifications. 5
2) Be able to conduct research at the proficiency level in Architecture or related disciplines individually, as well as to lead, participate in, or take responsibility for group projects 4
3) Demostrate an ability to develop new approaches and produce knowledge at proficiency level researches both in architecture and related disciplines. 3
4) Make decisions and produce comprehensive solutions to poorly defined, complex design problems at different scales related to the field by using critical thinking methods. 3
5) Evaluate the phenomena in architectural history and assess contemporary developments by analyzing their historical, cultural, social, and political backgrounds. 2
6) Be able to conduct independent qualitative and quantitative research requiring expertise in the field of architecture and contribute to professional knowledge and practice. 3
7) Be able to present and publish the results of the research or design proposal related to the field in academic dialogue, in national and international forums, using written, oral, or other information and communication technologies, at the B2 General Level of the European Language Portfolio in English. 1
8) Develops the lifelong learning abilities. 3
9) Engage with the social responsibilities, legal, ethical, and aesthetic values of the architecture discipline. 5